Volume III, Number Irish-American Historical Society January-February 1991 Winter storm on Sound almost cost Irish sailor his life I,n all his years at sea, an Irish-Amer­ ican sailor named John Kelly never was as terrified as he was one stormy winter day in 1884 when the schooner Jane was driven onto Spindle Reef outside New Haven harbor. The Jane, bound from Elizabeth, N.J., to Providence with a cargo ofcoal, anchored at the mouth of the harbor about 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28. During the night, a winter storm blew up on the Sound. The wind rose to such force that the Jane's anchor could not hold and about 4 a.m. the schooner was driven onto Spindle Reef and sank. At dawn on Friday, Feb. 29, with the storm still raging, the tugboat Boyd -'~-' steaming down the harbor toward Mor­ _00 ris Cove to come to the aid of another -...... _.=- 0_ .. ship in distress, sponed the wreck ofthe Jane on Spindle Reef. enough to rescue three of the four sail­ Although darkness was closing in, a Through their telescopes, the horri­ ors clinging to the shanered rigging. number of rescuers refused to give up fied crew of the Boyd saw that only the But the fourth man, Kelly, a 50-year­ the anempt. A third anempt failed rigging of the Jane remained above wa­ old veteran seaman from New York when two ofthe would-be rescuers were ter and that four men were clinging to City, seemed so benumbed by the wind frostbinen in the still-raging gale. that rigging as the wind and waves bat­ and cold that he was unable to clamber Finally at 6:30 p.m., a boat ofvol un­ tered the ship's hulk. from the rigging to safety, and at length teers led by Mate Edward Smeed of the Because of his tug's small size, the the crew of the yawl gave up the schooner Emma P. Angell, set out from captain of the Boyd did not dare at­ anempt. Lighthouse Point, against the advice of tempt a rescue but instead steamed After depositing the three rescued those on the beach. Rowing into the back up the harbor to sound the alert. sailors at Belle Dock about 2 p.m.,the teeth of the storm, the small boat Soon the Frederick Ives, the largest tug­ Ives steamed back to Spindle Reef and reached the Jane and was able to rescue boat in the harbor fleet, was steaming made another unsuccessful anempt to Kelly. toward the wreck. rescue Kelly. The crew of the Ives re­ The next day, from a bed in the city On reaching the Jane, the rves sent ported that the stranded sailor did not hospital, Kelly recounted his out its yawl and after maneuvering dare jump into the water as the others experience: back and forth in the heavy seas for had and was too badly frozen to grasp a Please turn to Daile 4 some time, it was able to get near line. City bathhouse keeper spent years in British prison During the early years of the 20th Day, 1884, from America, where I had number ofpeople to see ifanyone could century, an Irishman with quite a histo­ lived for many years. 011 the evening of identifY me as being connected with the ry was superintendent of New Haven's Feb. 2, 1885, two detectives knocked at explosions. But none could do so. public bathhouse on St. John Street my room. They examined all my prop­ "However, I was brought up to Bow near East Street. erty, took charge ofmy trunks, carefully Street police court and examined at fre­ Before coming to New Haven scraping the dust out ofthem. They had quent intervals during a period of 12 around the turn of the century, Patrick no warrant for my arrest, but that to weeks and it took all of that time to Henehan had spent 15 years in an Eng­ them was nothing. They arrested me on manufacture a case against me. FinaUy, lish prison after being convicted of in­ suspicion and took me to Scotland as was inevitable to satisfY a prejudiced volvement in a dynamiting campaign Yard for further questioning. I was then Irish-hating populace, a true bill was organized by the Fenians against the only 30 years of age. brought in against me and on the 10th British. "The dust taken from my trunks was day of May following I was brought to The story, as Henehan told it to a closely examined by the detectives but trial before Judge Hawkins at Old Bai­ New Haven Union reporter in 1915, is as no dynamite was found it was ley in London. as follows: thrown away. For three days, I was held "When arrested I gave the name of "I arrived in London on Christmas there, and each day paraded before a Please turn to page 2 Page 2 British prison was home for city bathhouse keeper Continued from page I Henry Burton of New York and all the efforts of Scotland Yard to discover m} true identity were futile ... "My trial was a mockery and a farce. The indictment charged me with mak­ ing war against her majesty's subjects ... Bribery and corruption were the or­ der of the day and the scoundrels who testified for the government gave their evidence in such a contradictory man­ ner that the simplest eyewitness could see that they were not telling the truth, but were relating manufactured testi­ mony ... "Aft~r the arguments had been con­ cluded by the anorney-general and the anorneys for the defense, Judge Haw­ kins opened his charge to the jury with these words, 'Gentlemen of the jury, there cannot be a shadow of doubt in your minds that this man is guilty of the most grievous offence against the laws of England and any penalty whid: it lies in your power to inflict will fall far short of punishing him as he de­ serves, for he has been levying war against her most gracious majesty and her loyal subjects ... "The jury retired, but well I knew from the judge's charge that this was mere form and that they had their ver­ dict already prepared and in a few brief moments the prearranged verdict of guilty was returned. Then the court ... with grim emphasis said, 'You are sen­ tenced to penal servitude for your natu­ ral life .. .' "I was first sent to Newgate and then taken to Chatham prison where I re­ mained for six years ... During the first nine months of my imprisonment, I was confined in a penal cell 23 out of24 hours each day. My breakfast consisted of a little coarse bread and cocoa. A hard day's work of the most objectiona­ ble kind followed, subject to the vigi­ lance of officious wardens whose pro­ motion was governed by the amount of work they could get out of me and my feJlow prisoners and the degradation that they inflicted on me ... "Although we were all confined in one prison, we were completely isolated from each other, so far as conversation was concerned. To pass a look of recog­ nition was deemed an offence of the two nights suffering from the adminis­ "This was the case winter and sum­ worst nature. Needless to say, these of­ tration of a drug which we got at inter­ mer alike. Then I would be searched for fences were often committed. vals and which I believe was given for what cause I know not unless to de­ "But whenever detected, we had to no other purpose than to render us lu­ prive me of my rest and shivering and pay for it in fine style - bread and natics ... I would on the third night unable to sleep I would lie down again. water from three to 21 days being the seek the repose which had fled on the Often I fainted over the bench at which penalty, and while partaking of this nu­ previous ones. I worked from exhaustion and hunger. tritious food, we would get special pun­ "I would be lulling myself to sleep "The state of things was bad enough, ishment and extra hard labor to sharp­ on my plank bed when suddenly I but worst of all the horrors which I was en our appetites ... would be awakened and I would hear compelled to endure I saw some of my "Searches and re-searches ofour per­ the grim old warden exclaim in his fellow prisoners fading away physically son and our cells were the order of the stentorian voice, 'You sleepy Irish dog, and mentally before my eyes. I well day, and particularly of the night. After arise.' knew that their sufferings would soon Page 3 Blacks formed league afore he came to New Haven to protect voting rights

be over, but I was unable to help them or notice of any kind appertaining to In October 1906, Connecticut Afri­ in any way and this awful sight had a my release was allowed to come into can-Americans founded one of the terribly depressing effect on my own my possession. state's earliest civil rights organizations: spirits, as I well had reason to believe "When the time finally came for me the Constitutional League of that what was befalling them might be to hand over my felon's garb and no Connecticut. my own fate later on. longer wear the broad arrow that was Fifty representatives from commu­ "The sight of those good and true the symbol of degradation which had nities throughout the state met in New been my constant companion for so types of Irish manhood and patriotism Haven on Wednesday, Oct. 17, and was enough to make'the sternest heart many years, I was let out by stealth to quail. May God have mercy on the go wherever I chose alone, amid a picked Dr. A. Clayton Powell of New souls of those who died and may He crowd of strangers. Haven as president and Dr. Preston M. grant peace to those who live. "I asked for my property which had Edwards of Hartford as secretary and "During the first eight years of my been taken from me, but I was told that treasurer. imprisonment, I never saw a friendly it was all sold ... and I was offered as The purpose of the league was to face from the outside world. I knew compensation the mere pittance of one lobby for the enforcement of the 14th that the world still existed, but as my pound sterling. Souvenirs valued by me and 15th Amendments to the U.S. Con­ identity had been concealed from the such as my watch and chain, my, cabi­ stitution, amendments enacted after the outside, I could not without revealing it netmaking tools, clothing and other ar­ Civil War to guarantee civil rights for ticles worth in all about 25 pounds on correspond with any of my friends. So I African-Americans. was completely isolated and every day the open market, but far more valuable brought on its new torments. to me by association, were all confiscat­ The league's first action was to send "The first time this load of isolation ed and I received only a fifth of their letters to the state's five Republican and misery was removed was when nominal value. congressmen. Messrs. McNamara from Clare, Crowe "I attribute my release in great part The letters stated in part: "The plat­ from Limerick and Torley from Glas­ to the efforts of the Amnesty Associa­ form adopted at the last Republican gow visited the political prisoners in tion of England, Ireland and America, National Convention contained a Portland prison in the year 1892. It for which I feel deeply grateful, and still strong plank in which was condemned dawned on me then, although we dared after all this long trial ... I cannot view the unjust discrimination against the not ask any questions nor speak freely, with regret my sufferings for the 'land of black voters of .the South. The party that we were not quite friendless or for­ my birth if they only help, even in a also in the same plank pledged itself to saken. As I recall it, the next one who slight degree, to bring about the unity of came to see me was Dr. Robert Am­ purpose and unity of effort which the enforcement of the constitutional brose and the few words he spoke to me would cause Ireland to be again en­ amendment which requires the reduc­ made my heart lighter under all its rolled among the nations ofthe Earth, a tion of the representation of a state in weight of woe. Afterwards I met Mr. free, independent and prosperous Ire­ Congress in proportion to its restriction Fred Allen of Dublin. land governed by its own people ..." of the franchise. "After such interview we would nat­ Henehan was released from Portland "At the last session of Congress, the urally think the rigid labor and punish­ prison in December 1897. Republicans refused to take any steps ment which we were subjected to would (New Haven Union, Aug. 22, 1915) whatever looking toward the fulfillment be abated. But no. On the contrary, it of that pledge ... was, whenever possible, made worse Plenty of blarney "Under these circumstances, it is but natural that thoughtful colored men "Three months after my arrival at should begin to question the motives Chatham Prison, I was offered fortune at United Irish fair which led to the adoption of this plank and liberty if I would furnish informa­ When Ifrish New Haveners couldn't tion which was desired by Supt. Wil­ and to ask whether it was a bona fide go to the Blarney Stone, the Blarney declaration of principle which the party liamson and the government. And Stone came to them - or at least a part again during the Times Commission in­ of it supposedly did. was willing to live up to or simply the vestigation of Charles Stuart Parnell, I At a fair sponsored by the United conventional claptrap resorted to to se­ was urged to give testimony against the Irish in December 1921, the prize ex­ cure the Negro vote in the doubtful great Parnell by a government hibit was a chip of the famous stone states ..." representative. which is said to endow all those who "Every passing year confirms the "Inspector Littlechild from the kiss it with the gift of eloquence. fact that the result of the doctored home office visited me for this purpose "Every visitor wi'll have an opportu­ Southern constitution in that part of and thinking that the various punish­ nity to smack this Blarney relic," said this land is a condition of quasi-slavery ments inflicted on me since the first the New Haven Union of Dec. l. "At­ offer might have altered my determin­ torney William B. Turley, chairman of "We colored men of Connecticut to­ ation not to betray my fellow country­ the general comminee in charge of the gether with other colored men of the men, he said to me, 'If you don't com­ fair, reported today that many young North are going to make our votes as ply they will keep you here for life.' But and ambitious spellbinders were anx­ influential as possible in the matter of all their efforts were in vain and we iously awaiting the opportunity to 'kiss reinfranchising the black men of the bore the penalties inflicted on us like the chip of the stone in order to further men. South whose votes are unjustly with­ their ambitions." held from them." "About three months before my re­ The three-day fair was held at Music lease, I received official information of Hall and also featured a Lakes ofKillar­ Among those signing the letter were the fact that I was to be reprieved and I ney tearoom, 12 booths, entertainment H.H. Faulkner, L. Baxter Goodall, Al­ also learned that anxious friends eager­ and music. fred W. Adams, Jno. H. Harris, Preston ly awaited the particul~r date. No letter (New Haven Union, Dec. I, 192t') M. Edwards and W.A. Harris. PJllqe 4 War of 1812 alien list provides information on immigrants When the War of I' 812 began. Con­ months in the U.S., from Ireland, no and six sons, Woodbury, wheelwright, gress passed legislation declaring sub­ family, Stratford, laborer, (26 Sept. (16 Aug. 1812). jects of Great Britain residing in the 1812). Morgan, Wm., age 30, in U.S. six United States to be enemy aliens. Davin, Patrick M., age 23, I year in years, Irishman, Litchfield, (26 Sept. All such British subjects were re­ U.S., from Ireland, no family, Milford, 1812). quired to report to the marshal of the haner, (8 Aug. 1812). Syres, Legar, age 34, II years in U.S.. state in which they lived and provide Johnson, David, age 18, 6 years in from Ireland, no family, Norwalk, no information relative to "the persons U.S., from Ireland, no family, New trade; superintends a ponery, (16 Aug. composing their families. the places of London, apprentice to a tallow chan­ 1812). their residence and their occupations or dler, (8 Aug. 18 J 2). Williams, John, age 18, 3 months in pursuits; and whether, at what time, Ledger, Wm., age 47,5 years in U.S.. U.S., from Ireland, no family, Norwalk, they have made the application to the Irishman. wife and two children, Litch­ haner, (8 Aug. 1812). courts required by law. as preparatory field. farmer, (26 Sept. 1812). Wood, John, age 37, 24 years in to their naturalization." McFarlane, James, age 23, 1 year in U.S., from Ireland, wife and two chil­ The lists compiled by Connecticut's U.S.. from Ireland, no family, New dren, Danbury, haner, (1'6 Aug. 1812). marshals provide some interesting, if London, currier, (8 Aug. 1812). brief. notes about some of the Irish na­ Manypenny, Joseph, age 37, 20 years ("British Aliens in the United States During the War of 1812," compiled by tives living in the state at that time. in U.S.. from Ireland, wife and five Kenneth Scon, Genealogical Publishing The listings include the following children. Danbury, weaver; said to Co., Baltimore, 1979.) residents. In parenthesis is the date on 'lave been convicted of passing coun­ which they filed the information. terfeit money, (16 Aug. 1812). CoBins, Patrick. age 34, 5 years in Manhews, John, age 22. 10 months Shipwreck in harbor United States. from Ireland. no family. in U.S., from Ireland, no family, Nor­ Continued from page 1 Litchfield, farmer (16 Aug. 1812). walk, laborer, (8 Aug. 1812). Conroy, Andrew. age 27, 5 years in "I have followed the sea all my life. Matthews, Samuel, age 20, 10 having served in the English. French U.S.• from Ireland. no family, New months in U.S.. from Ireland, Norwalk, London, grocer, applied for citizenship and American navies. I have been in laborer. (8 Aug. 1812). some rather tight places before but 2 Dec. 1811, (8 Aug. 1812). May. John, age 60, 30 years in U.S., Cummerford. John. age 20, 4 nothing to equal this. My sufferings from Ireland, wife and five daughters yesterday in that rigging before I lost consciousness were fearful. -Briefly noted----·---~ "Just imagine your comrades leav­ ing you alone on a wreck, with the WELCOME - We welcome our new members: John F. and Beverly B. waves running mountains high and the Dwyer, Edward J. and Harriet O'Neill, Jack Peck Jr. icy wind blowing a furious gale. But my fellows couldn't help me; they had a MEETINGS - Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, Jan. 22, at 7:30 p.m. at tough enough time of it themselves. the Gaelic Club, Venice Place, East Haven. We will also meet Tuesday, Feb. "You see, I did not have the strength 26, at the same time and place. left when they were taken off to climb up the rigging and down the other side THANK YOU - Our thanks to all those who helped make the Kaleidoscope as they had to do. My long stay in the program at the New Haven Colony Historical Society a success. ropes before the relief boat arrived at all benumbed me and I was too stiff to move. "You can imagine my feelings when I saw the second boat shoot past me in the waves and them make for the shore IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY without me. I gradually lost my eye­ P.O. Box 120-020 sight and at last could see nothing. East Haven, Connecticut 06512 Nothing at all. "The last thing I saw was a man on "We have kept faith with the past; we have handed a tradition to the the lighthouse waving his hand to me. future." Padraic Pearse This encouraged me somewhat. But my position was becoming more fearful ev­ President: Jeanne Hickey, 58 Florence Ave., New Haven 06512. 468­ ery moment. The rail' was washed away 0426. and there was great danger of the top Vice President: George Waldron, 69 Pardee St., New Haven 06513. timbers breaking. I shouted for all I was 468-6948. worth, but it seemed useless and I grad­ Secretary: Betty GUbicza, 126 Geneva Terrace, Fairfield 06430. 255­ ually lost consciousness. 1343. "When the boat that finally rescued Treasurer: Michael Lynch, 171 East Grand Ave., New Haven 06513. dIe reached the wreck, I had not the 467-5307. slightest idea of what was going on. Membership: $10 individual, $15 family. Send name and address and Somehow or other, I dropped off the checks made out to Irish-American Historical Society to Box 120-020, rigging. They tell me I fell into the wa­ East Haven, CT 06512. ter, but I didn't know it at the time. Shanachie Editor: Neil Hogan, 26 Crestview Terrace, Wallingford When brought to land, I was still un­ Ot;492. 269-9154. conscious and knew nothing until I (The Shanachie: In Ireland, a shanachie is a folklorist, storyteller and found myself here." keeper of the people's traditions.) (New Haven Register, Feb. 29, March I, 1884.) ch£ sh~~ch1€

Volume III, Number 2 Irish-American Historical Society March-April 1991

Charles O'Neill kept New Haveners on time for 75 years

For three quarters of a century, the city and at commencement he had Charles O'Neill was the best known no lack of callers. watchmaker and repairer in New "Some ofhis friends thought that he Haven. was not always on the right side of the O'NeiU assisted in the construction question, but respected his views never­ of the Yale College clock in 1812 and theless. He was perhaps too diffuse, but was still repairing watches at his shop had some very good and practical ideas. on the south side ofChapel Street in the He had a retentive memory and was late 18808. often consulted about affairs that had He was happiest, commented the happened many years before." New Haven Register, "when busy at In politics, O'Neill was, according to work. or in conversing with friends who the Register, "a Democrat all his life. came to see him and chat with him so He mugwumped only once and that frequently. For a number of years his was when Gen. Jackson ran for the pre­ shop was in Church Street near Chapel "was of quite a philosophical turn of mind and was very fond ofdiscussions, sidency in 1828. He would not vote for and his bench was near the window Jackson, but he has voted for every where he could be seen sitting at his so much so that his little shop became the scene of frequent and interesting Democratic candidate for president ... work day after day. It was very rare that He represented the old Washington dis­ he was not at his bench repairing debates. He could talk fluently in the trict on the Common Council years ago watches, in which he was very skillful. current topics of the day and was en­ when the city was divided into four "In his little business, he was appar­ tirely at home on religious and political wards by Chapel and Church streets." ently very contented and had no appar­ topics. He was also interested in the In religion. O'Neill was a longtime ent desire for greater success." inventive attainments made in this member of Trinity Episcopal Church. Tall, slim and dignified in appear­ country. Born Nov. 14, 1799 just a month ance, O'Neill was a familiar sight on "He was an authority on events at before the death ofGeorge Washington, city streets and his shop gained the rep­ Yale and his place was a well known O'Neill was fond of saying that when he utation of being a good place to get resort for the old alumni of the college. arrived on Earth Washington thought it involved in a discussion ofpolitics, cur­ Many of the older graduates who had was time for him to leave because there rent events or the New Haven scene. formed his acquaintance during their wasn't room for both of them. "Mr. O'Neill,". said the Register, college days, would call on him when in Please turn to page 4 Exhibits and activities scheduled during Irish Heritage Month Congress has passed and President Bush has signed a joint resolution designating March 1991 as Irish-American Heritage Month. At the request of Pat Heslin of our society, Mayor John Daniels has issued a similar proclamation for New Haven, and Heslin and Jeanne Hickey are working with state Reps. Michael Lawlor, Pat Dillon and Martin Looney to have Gov. Welcker issue a state proclamation. • With the theme, "Irish-American Heritage: Commemorate with Pride and Dignity," our society will have displays in the Ives Memorial Library In downtown New Haven, the Hagaman Library In East Haven and the Miller Library In Hamden. On Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m., we also will be represented on Johnny Moran's program on WNHU, 88.7 FM. We will have a float in the St. Patrick's Day parade on Sunday, March 10, and will be featured on Storer cable's pre-parade program. On March 24, from 1 to 4 p.m., we will have a table at the 7th annual International Spring Festival at the Connecticut Historical Society in Hartford. Johnny Moran will provide Irish entertainment at the f&stival. Society members working on this project are Eleanor Connelly, Pat Heslin, Kenny O'Brien, Diana O'Brien, Eva Madigan, Norman and Jeanne Hickey, Joanne Connolly, Ed and Kay Ahern, John Moran, Mike Lawlor, Pat Dmon and Martin Looney Page 2 Anglican priest received a chilly reception in Connecticut

One Irishman who found himself round for Scandal and reporting wher­ greatly blamed and the Society as well unwanted in ·Connecticut in colonial ever he went that he did not like my life for supporting a man that does no times was an Anglican priest, the Rev. and Conversation ..." good, but much hann ..." James Lyons. Lyons said that he had been forced Lyons, a member of the London­ to suspend the discontented parishioner At the time of the Revolutionary based Society for the Propagation ofthe and forbid him from receiving com­ War, Lyons gained an extra bit of noto­ Gospel which sent missionaries into munion because of the lies Plumb had riety as a British sympathizer. The Con­ Connecticut in the 1700s, ran into op­ been spreading: "He reported as I can necticut patriot, David Wooster, in position not only from Congregational­ Prove that I keep misses at Boston and 1775 wrote that the patriots in Brook­ ists who opposed the planting of the ... that bad Stories always come after haven, "have taken and sent to me the Anglican faith in the colony, but also me wherever I went. That I offered vio­ Rev. James Lyon, a Church of England from those sympathetic to Anglicanism lence to a young woman at Derby and Clergyman - a man of infamous Char­ who did not wish to be ministered to by that her Father Delivered her out ofmy acter, but a pretty sensible fellow, who an Irishman. hands ... Reporting also that I was they say has corresponded with Henry Lyons was in Connecticut in the ear­ rude and immodest with Mrs. Beach in Lloyd of Boston. This Parson Lyon by ly I740s. He preached several times at New Haven and tho' she told many it what I can learn is the main spring to Guilford where his efforts seem to have was false and give under her hand all all the Tories on that part of Long Is­ been fruitful for he reported to church such reports were groundless ..." land. He has a considerable money at officials in London that eight families Whatever the truth or falsity of the interest in different hands among his including 36 children plus their parents charges against him, Lyons left the neighbors, which gains him ascendancy had declared their acceptance of the church at Derby about 1746 and re­ over them, and he has been indefatiga­ Anglican faith and that three children moved to Brookhaven on Long Island ble both by writing, preaching and in had been baptized. where he became pastor of Caroline every other way to gain proselytes and He also visited New Haven where he Church at Setauket. by his connections with those in other said he found a few Anglicans and con­ Apparently, his labors there were not parts ofthe country who are inimical to siderable opposition from the adminis­ very effective for in 1764, a Connecti­ the cause we are embarked in, he will tration and faculty of Yale College, cut missionary writing to London de­ be able to do great mischief." which was a Congregational institution. scribed the problems at Brookhaven: "I Wooster added that the patriots on The rector and tutors at the college, he hear he (Lyons) has but 6 or 7 left of Long Island "thinking him a very dan­ said, would not pennit any of the stu­ what was a considerable congregation gerous person to remain among them, dents, except those whose parents were in Mr. Brown's time; and it is now have desired me to take care of him. I already Anglicans to attend his lectures. doubtful whether any people would shall therefore by the first convenient In West Haven, Lyons reported that have him, he having fallen into great opportunity send him to the care ofthe he had "baptised two children and offi­ disgrace by unmercifully beating a man, Committee of Hartford ..." ciated frequently." who, it seems, never struck him a blow. In 1743, Lyons was assigned to the He has not yet had his trial, so I know After the war, Lyons apparently re­ growing parish in Derby, but he soon not how it will tum out as to what turned to Long Island where he died in discovered that his flock didn't take provocation he had ... Mr. Lyons is 1787. kindly to the ministrations of an Irishman. Waterbury factory hands played 'hurley' match Shortly after his arrival, he wrote to the society's headquarters in London: Among their other customs, Irish ·'The game commences at the center "As soon as they had advice of my immigrants who settled in Connecticut ofthe field, one ofthe judges taking the appointment, and from what country I brought with them their love for ball in his hand and tossing it up and came and, indeed, before I arrived hurling. the best man strikes it first - that is, among them, they abused me, calling The sport never has enjoyed any­ the one who gets the first chance - and me an 'Irish Teague and Foreigner,' where near the popularity here that it then they all go in with their hurleys, with many other reflections of an un­ had - and still has - in Ireland, but striking, hither and yon, caring nothing civilized and unchristian kind; they there are occasional references to it in whether they hit the ball or the shins or boasted they would either find or fasten old Connecticut newspapers. heads of those men by. something upon me relating to my One such reference appeared in the "The object is to drive the ball character or conduct whereby they Waterbury American of Sept. 10, 1866 through the goal, which is composed of might get rid of me ... It would be too with the headline, "Hurley Match." two stakes, driven nine feet apart. tedious to record aU the abuse and in­ "The hurley match between the Irish "The baH must be driven through sults I have received at Derby; so many employees of Scovill Manufacturing them twice in order for victory to perch and so severe, that some ofthemselves, Co. and Benedict & Burnham Manu­ on the banner ofeither party. There is a more moderate than the rest, remon­ facturing Co., 25 on a side, came off on goal at each end ofthe ground defended strated to them the danger they were in the grounds above the iron bridge on by the two opposing parties. of losing the mission by their abuses to Saturday last," the account began. "After about three hours work, the me ..." "The players looked finely with their Benedict & Burnham men succeeded in In another letter, dated Sept. 14, peculiar caps wound around their heads driving the ball through the Scovill 1744, Lyons laid much ofthe blame for and all in white shirtsleeves. The Sc0­ goal, but it wasjudged out by the judges his treatment in Derby at the hands of vill men wore red caps and the B. & B. and was not admitted and the game one parishioner named Samuel Plumb. men white. broke up without a victory for either. Lyons said that Plumb had asserted "he "The game is played with an ordi­ "The stake on the game Saturday would never be at Peace while I was in nary sized ball and with sticks about was $50, $25 a side, but what disposi­ Derby, that he would clear the town of three feet long, curved at the end for tion was made of the money we have Irish Jeans hunting all ye Country striking the ball. not been advised." Page 3 Life of New Haven-born pirate, Delaney, ended on the gallows

On the morning of Dec. 10, 1875, an schooner and put to sea with her and Irishman with roots in New Haven was came down the coast about 100 miles executed on the gallows in the yard of and ran her ashore and left her. the Queens County Courthouse in "There was a quarrel among our­ North Hempstead on Long Island. selves; knives and pistols were freely His name was William Delaney and used and after the fray we separated. I his short life - he was only 25 years went to Boston and then to Portsmouth old when he died - made a strange and there joined a coaster. and sad story. "I had a quarrel with the mate and Delaney had been found guilty of throwed him from the deck to the dock murdering Capt. Leverett Lawrence of and broke his collarbone. They got a the schooner Joseph E. Potts. Delaney warrant out, but by that time I had was mate ofthe vessel and while it was joined the Marine Corps. I stayed t~ree anchored in Cow Harbor on Long Is­ weeks and one night swam the nver land on Aug. 27, 1874, he entered the Piscataqua, made my ~ay to Boston captain's cabin and choked him to and then to Philadelphia ... death. Delaney escaped, but a few "Only for fighting and raising hell, I weeks later he was picked up in Phila­ could be master ofas fine a schooner as delphia. He was tried in Hempstead on ploughs the salt ocean. Oct. 24, and sentenced to hang. "Then I went to Elizabethport and Shortly before his death, Delaney back to Providence and from Provi­ wrote the storv of his life and it was dence to Boston and me and my chum published in several papers. The story joined an oyster vessel bound to Tole's was as follows: Point up the Rappahannock. We put "I was born in New Haven, Conn., into Hampton Roads; then we made a on the 15th of April 1851, and lived plan to rob her. They always carried there until I was four years old, and $300 to buy their cargo and when they then my mother died and left me an went to supper, we burst open the safe orphan and my father and me went to split his head open with an iron belay­ and escaped ashore. Ireland and there lived for 10 months. ing pin and then went into the forecas­ "We paid our passage to Boston and "We went from there to Melbourne, tle with the intention of killing the first lived like fighting cocks. Then we Australia, where we lived for eight man that tried to take me. shipped to Philadelphia and back to Sa­ years. My father getting married, I "They hoisted the ensign upside lem and then we went to Fall River and could not agree with my stepmother; so down and the police boat came along­ lived with the factory girls like kings. I left them to do for myself. I had mon­ side and was told what was the matter "Then I want mate of'a Fall River ey enough to buy a pistol and from and they came to pull me out and I vessel for nine months and while trad­ Melbourne I traveled to Geelong, suf­ fought desperately and they saw they ing off there, I had over 50 pitched fering for the want ofwater terribly; but could not capture me without, so they battles. Then I got a fall of 82 feet and I managed to get there after three days' drew their cutlasses and sooner than be nearly killed myself and I had to go to hardship. . run through I surrendered. the hospital and ever since then I have "I then paid my passage back agalO "I was taken before the council, tried been subject to hemorrhage ofthe lungs and then went to San Diego and went and sentenced to four months in the and I never had the use ofmyselfsince. on board a Boston ship and worked my chain gang. I came out and went to "After I came out of hospital, I passage to New York. Then I went cook beachcombing and river piracy. . joined my vessel again and went to ofa New Haven vessel, plying between "I shipped in a bark loaded WIth Philadelphia and fought the cook and New Haven and Demerara. with silks and teas bound for San Fran­ thumped the life out of him. I left a.nd "I made the voyage and then went to cisco. Five days out I made a plan to joined the Clara Bell and had a failIng New London in a packet ship which capture the vessel and kill all the offi­ out with the captain. I was going to commenced my wild career. We were cers and take her and run on some of leave. only 14 days out when we mutinied and the Sandwich Islands, but we had one "Then I shipped with Capt. law­ tried to take the ship and fought four giveaway in the forecastle and the next rence to go to Stonington and my inten­ days, but they arrested the ringleaders time I went to the wheel I was knocked tion was to go to Stonington and leave and put them in irons three days. We down and ironed hand and foot till we him there, but fortune did not favor would not work and the ship was a total come to port. I was turned over to th.e me. We only got as far as Cow Bay wreck. Work we would not till they police and confined in prison to awaIt when he slipped his wind. William M. were released and sooner than lose the trial for mutiny. Delaney, alias Red Pirate, ~lias Cast­ ship and passengers, they let them out. "I was in two months and I made Iron Bill, who fought 100 pItched bat­ "We arrived in the river Thames my escape, with a 32-pound ball and tles and never was beat." and came to anchor and 17 ofus made chain and got into Eureka, Oregon, and Delaney told the priest who attended our exit to Liverpool and two of us then joined the United States 12th Reg­ him just before his execution that he shipped in a National Line boat for iment and stayed there one pay day. had no relatives in America and that he New York. We arrived here safe only "I was in the stables and two of my did not know where his father was in with the exception ofa bunged eye and chums came along and we took three of Australia. He told the priest, however, split lip. the best horses and swam the river and that he had an uncle in Co. Longford in "Then I shipped for Hong Kong, made our escape into Indian country, Ireland and asked the priest to notify China, and after four months arrived defying anyone that would undertake to t,he uncle of his nephew's fate. there safe and while in port me and the capture us. Then we traveled to Rogue (New York Times, Dec. 11, 1875: mate had words which came to blows. I River and there we stole a 20-ton_ New Haven Register, Dec. 9, 1875.) Page 4 Line. fl Englishmen celebrated on St. George's Day ELLIS ISLAND TRIP - Our society is sponsoring a bus trip to the Ellis I Island Immigration Museum on Sunday, May 5. The cost of $25 for adults Each April, the Sons of St. George, and $23 for children includes bus, ferry boat, admission ticket and tip. The the major organization of English im­ schedule includes: 8 a.m., departure from Howard Johnson's restaurant and migrants in New Haven in the 19th motel on Long Wharf; 10 a.m., arrive at ferry dock; ferry stops at Statue of century, sponsored a banquet to honor Liberty; 3 p.m., bus leaves parking lot for South Street Seaport for shopping their patron saint. and eating; 6 p.m., bus leaves for New Haven; 8 p.m., arrive New Haven. On April 24, 1888, the Register de­ For reservations, send checks to Irish-American Historical Society, P.O. Box scribed that year's festivities as fol1ows: 120-020, East Haven 06512. For information, call Ed and Kay Ahern, 467- "The annual banquet in honor of St. 0216, or Norman and Jeanne Hickey, 468-0426. Space is limited. George's Day was held last evening at - Gunning's restaurant, State Street. MEETINGS - Tuesday, March 26, 7:30 p.m., Gaelic Club, Venice Place, About 150 sat down to an elegantly pre­ East Haven, a tape of the talk by Neil Hogan at the New Haven Colony pared banquet. Historical Society on the census and New Haven history. Also, Tuesday, "The place was decorated with the April 23, 7:30 p.m., Gaelic Club, program to be announced. American and British flags adorned in the center with the picture of Queen DONATIONS - Our thanks for donations to: Mr. and Mrs. William C. Victoria. The festivities opened with a Barrett, William and Dorothea Bartek, Patrick W. Bohan, Rita Breese, selection by the St. George's band, their I I Lawrence and Mary Joan Coyle, John J. and El1en Donahue plus a matching first public appearance, after which gift from the Orion Group in Farmington, John and Helen Farrell, Corne- prayer was offered by Rev. Fletcher. lius, Irene and Lorraine Healy, Patricia A. Heslin, Norman and Jeanne "The toast 'the president of the Hickey, Neil Hogan, Patrick M. Hogan, Paul Keroack, Daniel Kirby, Colleen United States,' was responded to by Dr. Kissane, James Lamey, Ruth Logan in memory of Nora V. Joyce, George J.A. Dobson, and after remarks to the and Marion McWeeney, James K. Reardon and family, Tom and Noreen I credit of our chief magistrate all re­ Slater, George Waldron, John J. White, Mrs. Francis Winston. mained standing and drank to the· health of our president. The next toast, SPECIAL THANKS - To Mary Plaskonas of the Ukrainian-American His- I 'the Queen,' was responded to by Mr. torical Society for her work on the census exhibit sponsored by the Ethnic J.A. Foster. He spoke finely and paid a Heritage Center. Also, to participants in the Kaleidoscope program at the grand tribute to England's admirable , New Haven Colony Historical Society: Edith Davis. Hortense Lewis, Rose an.d !oved queen, the ruler of so many I Evans, Edna Carnegie and Sam Slie of the Connecticut Afro-American mtlltons. All rose again and amid Historical Society; Christine House of the Greek community; Elva Aponte cheers and hand clapping drank to her and Celestino Cordova of the Spanish Cultural Association; Patricia Tirado health...." of the Mexican community; Hesung Chun Koh of the East Rock Institute; Lyent Russel1 of the Connecticut River Pow-Wow Society; Ola Nagorski of Editor's note: In recognition of the II, the Veselka Dancers and Ray and Mary Hezzey of the Ukrainian-American bond between our historical society and , Historical Society; Ann Fraulo and Phil Paolella of the Italian-American the other societies in the Ethnic Heri­ Historical Society; Herbert Setlow, Sherman Kramer, Carl Newlin, Judith tage Center and to foster appreciation I Schitfand Miriam Schwartz of the Jewish Historical Society ofGreater New for all ethnic groups, we print in each Haven; Michael Lynch, John Moran, Frank Sinnott and the Abbey West ~sueofournew~eneratkastonestory Players, John O'Donovan, Mary Stokes Ahern, Eva Madigan, Pat Heslin, about another ethnic group. Charles O'Hagan, the Horgan Academy of Dance of Naugatuck, Norman and Jeanne Hickey, the O'Brien family, Carolyn Westerfield and George Waldron of our society. New Haven watchmaker Continued from page I IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY O'Neill wasn't the first of his family P.O. Box 120-020 in America for he once told the newspa­ East Haven, Connecticut 06512 per that his great-grandfather, Henry O'Neill, had come to Connecticut from "We have kept faith with the past; we have handed a tradition to the Ireland. Henry O'Neill had a son future." Padraic Pearse named Abraham and he had a son named John. President: Jeanne Hickey, 58 Florence Ave., New Haven 06512.468- John O'Neill served in the Revolu­ 0426. tionary War and after the war married a Vice President: George Waldron, 69 Pardee St., New Haven 06513. , Miss Sherman, a descendan,t of one of 468-6948. the early settlers of Stratford. The Secretary: Betty Gubicza, 126 Geneva Terrace, Fairfield 06430. 255- O'Neills had six children, one ofwhom 1343. was Charles. Treasurer: Michael Lynch, 171 East Grand Ave., New Haven 06513. "Mr. O'Neill watched the growth of 467-5307. New Haven with interest," said the Membership: $10 individual, $15 family. Send name and address and Register at the time of his death on checks made out to Irish-American Historical Society to Box 120-020, Aug. 9, 1894. "While seeing the remov­ East Haven, CT 06512. al of some of the older buildings with a Shanachie Editor: Neil Hogan, 26 Crestview Terrace, Wallingford feeling of sadness, he realized that it 06492. 269-9154. was for the best and for the benefit of (The Shanachie: In Ireland, a shanachie is a folklorist, storyteller and the future of the city ... He was a very keeper of the people's traditions.) genial man, of pleasant address and ofa very kind heart." Volume III, Number 3 Irish-American Historical Society May-June 1991

75TH ANNIVERSARY, 1916-1991 Easter Rebellion planted seeds of Iri h independence

At noon on April 24, 1916 - Easter Monday - a group of about 100 Irish rebels seized the General Post Office on Sackville Street in Dublin, cleared the building ofcustomers and workers, ran up I two flags - one the traditional green ban­ ner with the gold harp, the other a new tricolor of orange, green and white - and proclaimed the birth of the Irish republic. More rebels occupied other key build­ ings in Dublin and word soon was flashed to London and to the world that a full­ fledged rebellion had broken out in Ireland. The British brought in troops and gun­ boats, shelled the strongholds of the rebels and by April 30 quelled the rebellion. In early May, 14 of its leaders were court­ martialed and shot. The English thought that was the end of the matter, but at his court-martial, one of the Irish rebels, Thomas MacDonagh pre­ dicted, "The Proclamation of the Irish Republic has been adduced in evidence against me as one of the signatories; you think it is already a dead and buried letter, but it lives, it lives. From minds alight with Ireland's vivid intellect, it sprang; in hearts aflame with Ireland's mighty love, it was conceived. Such documents do not die ..." MacDonagh proved to be an excellent prophet. The Easter Rebellion put down so quickly by the English simmered in the hearts of the Irish people and within three years all Ireland was aflame with revolu­ tion. Unable to extinguish the flames, the English in 1921 accepted a truce and a treaty that within a few years ended the centuries ofoccupation ofmost ofIreland, and in the words of Thomas Davis, made Ireland "a nation once again." This year, 199 J, we mark the 75th anni­ versary of the Easter Rebellion, which proved to be the beginning of the end of English rule in Ireland. We devote this issue of The Shanachie entirely to telling the story of the Easter In its Issue of Aug. 10, 1916, The Irish World and American Industrial Rebellion as it was reported and reacted to Liberator, an Irish nationalist newspaper printed in New York and with a here in Connecticut. We dedicate the issue large readership in Connecticut, published this tribute to the Easter to those who gave their lives for Irish in­ Rebellion leaders executed in Dublin. Missing from the list on the Celtic dependence in that rebellion. cross is the name of Roger Casement who was hanged Aug. 3. ..-age 2 In wake of rebellion, Connecticut Irish flailed England and worked for The first news Connecticut people had of the Easter Rebellion was in dis­ patches published in state newspapers POBLACHT NA H EIREANN. on Tuesday, April 25, 1916, indicating that an Irishman - ironically a British THt PROVISIONAt GOVERNMENT knight - Sir Roger Casement, had OF THE been captured near Tralee in County Kerry attempting to land weapons from a German ship. IRISH REPUBLIC The next day, the papers contained very briefaccounts of, not an insurrec­ TO THE PEOPLE or IRELAND. IRISHMEN AND IRISHWOMEN. In the name of God and of the dead gelleratlOn, tion, but an "anti-British riot in Dub­ from which she receives her old .radition of nationnood. l~eland. through us. summons lin." The accounts said, "Political her children to her flag and strikes for ber freedom. rioters took possession of the post of­ Having organised and traioed her manhood tbrough her secret revolutionar, fice and being well armed, defied the ·Jrganisation. the Irish Republican Brotherhood. and through h~r open military organisatioM, lhe Irish Volunteers and the Irish CHi zen Army, having pAlienlly police and soldiery to dislodge them ... ptlrfected her dlSctplme, havmg resolutely wailed for Ihe right moment 10 revell The military authorities now have the itself. she now seizes that moment, and. supporled by her exiled children io Americl situation well in hand ..." and by gallant allies in Europe. but relying in the firsl 00 her own strenglh. she As the week progressed, it became strikes In full confidence of victory. We declare the rigbl onhe people of Irelaod to the ownersbip of IrelaDd. and to obvious that the unrest in Dublin was the uofellered cootrol of Irish rtestinies. to bo sovereign and indefeasible. Th, long more than just anti-British rioting and u.surpation of that righl by a foreign peop;e and government bas 001 eXtinguished Ito that the authorities didn't have the situ­ rlght. Dor can II ever be .extinguished except by Ihe destruction of Ihe Irish people. Ul every generation the IrISh people have asstrt,d their right to national freedom ar,d ation in hand at all. By Thursday, April so.vereignty; six tim,s during the pastthru bundred y,ars th,y bave ass,rt,d il iu 27, the New Haven Union's lead story arms. Standing on that fundamental right and again asserting it in arms in rhe fare on page one appeared under the large, of tb. world. we h,rtby proclaim tb, Irish Republic as a SOVH.igD Ind'!kDd,nt SlaL" three-deck headline, "Martial Law De­ and w, pkdgc our Iiv,. and th, liv,s of our comrades-in-arms 10 lhe cause of its freedom. clared Throughout Ireland As The Re­ of ils welfare. and of Its exaltation among tbe natiODs, . The Irish Republic is entitled to. and hereby claims. the allegiance of every bellion Spreads." IrIShman and IrIShwoman. The RepUblic guarantees religious 8Ild civil liberty, oqual The same day, the Union published rights and equal opportunities to all its citizens. ahd declares its resolve to pursu, a story on reaction to the revolt among tbe bappiness and prosperity of the whole nation and of all its parts. cherishing .11 tb. ebildren of the nation equally, and oblivious of tbe dilTerences carefully fostered New Haven Irish-Americans. Patrick by an ahen government. which bave divided a minority from the majority in the past. A. Henehan, who during the late 19th Until our arms have brought the opportune moment for the establishment of • century had spent 15 years as a political pDrmanent National Government. reprcsentative of the whole peo~le of Ireland and prisoner in England, praised the rebels, elected.by lbe suffrages of all ber men and women. the Provisional Governmeot, he"o)' constituted. will administer lhe civil and military affairs of the Republic in trust for "The Irish volunteers have certainly Ib- people. made a great stand in Dublin," he said, We place the cause or tbe lrisb RepUblic under tha protection ofthe Most High God, "and I believe that the revolution will Whoso blessing we invoke upon our arms, and we pray that Do one who serves that cause will dishonour it by cowardice. iDhumanity, or rapine. In this supreme boqr set Ireland free. To set any nation free, Ibe Irish nation must, by its valour and discipline and by the readiness of its chilll"n the first blow must be struck by the 10 sacriOce themselves for lhe common good. prove Itself worthyof the /lugust destiny nation itself. There is no doubt that to whIch It i. called, Slr"~ on Behalf of the Provhlon.1 Ooufnmcnl. Germany is in sympathy with the Irish THOMAS J, CLARKE. people. She knows the history and the SEAN Mac DIARllIADA. THOMAS MacDONAGH. sufferings ofthe Irish people better than P. H, PEARSE. [AMONN CEANNT. anyone else." JAMES CONNOLLY. JOSEPH PLUNKETT Another New Havener active in A facsimile of the proclamation read on the steps of the Irish causes, John J. Splain, told the General Post Office in Dublin on April 24, 1916. paper that the rebels and those in sym­ pathy with them were justified "in at­ Speaking before a crowd estimated from throughout Connecticut gathered tacking England and English rule wher­ at 4,000 -"one of the largest and most in afternoon and evening sessions at the ever and whenever the opportunity enthusiastic meetings ever held in this Bijou Theater in New Haven to organ­ presents itself." city in connection with war activities," ize a Connecticut chapter ofthe Friends said the Journal-Courier - O'leary of Irish Freedom. Splain defended the reliance of the rebels on Germany. tore into those who criticized the Irish "The meeting of the afternoon was rebels. "Why criticize the Irish who are largely devoted to business and discus­ "This- is not Ireland's war," he said, now striving for the same liberty in sion of the principles of the Friends of "and the Irish people cannot hope to their little island that the American Irish Freedom, while the evening meet­ gain anything from the success of the Revolution strove for?" he asked. ing might be said to have been a giant allies. They mayor may not be the "Why call Sir Roger Casement a traitor protest meeting against the martyrdoms gainers from German success, but they when the only difference between him of the Dublin men," reported the Jour­ have never had and haven't now any and Washington was that he failed nal-Courier. quarrel with Germany or the German where Washington succeeded?" The Register described the meeting people, and there are possibilities in After O'leary's talk and a program thus: "Denouncing England as a ravish­ Germany that appeal to them mightily ofmusic provided by the city's German er ofsmall nationalities and defenseless in the direction ofIreland's welfare ..." societies, the hat was passed and $1,700 I people; declaring that that country is The commonality of German-Irish was collected to be used for the rebuild- shrewdly asking at the expense of her interests was emphasized again a few ing of homes in East Prussia destroyed allies only to gather the glutton's slice days later when Irish nationalist Jere­ by the Russian army. when the spoils of the great war are miah O'leary of New York was the The execution of the leaders of the thrown on the bargain counter of Eu­ main speaker at a benefit sponsored by Irish rebellion beginning on May 3 rope, and asserting that the home rule the German-American Alliance at the stirred up even more resentment and measure is insincere, used as a bait to Olympia Theater in New Haven. on Sunday, May 14, Irish-Americans' cheat Ireland and delude the world, Page 3 freedom of Emerald Isle 3,000 Irish men and women yesterday The Easter Rebellion at a glance afternoon resolved to join the move­ ment to free Ireland from English rule The Easter Rebellion in Dublin in 1916 was over in in one of the greatest mass meetings a week, but like a stone thrown into a pond, the ever held in the state." ripples it caused were felt long after the events them­ After a prayer by Father Jeremiah selves. Crowley of New London, attorney April 21 - Friday - Irish nationalist Sir Roger Casement is captured near Francis F. Guilfoyle of Waterbury was Tralee in County Kerry attempting to land a shipment of 20,000 rifles and 5 elected temporary chairman. He told million rounds of ammunition provided by the German government for the the audience that the purpose of the rebellion. Friends of Irish Freedom was not to influence the United States to take April 24 - Easter Monday - Irish rebels occupy the General Post Office sides in the war in Europe, but to re­ and other buildings in Dublin and proclaim an Irish Republic. mind America of the advice of Gen. April 25 - Tuesday - English rush reinforcements to Dublin. Connecticut Washington to avoid entangling alli­ papers publish brief announcements of "anti-British riot" in Dublin. ances and to be "watchful to prevent April 26 - Wednesday - Irish rebellion becomes lead story in Connecti­ the baleful influence of England from cut newspapers. Francis Sheehy-Skeffington, a Dublin editor who had lectured poisoning the life of free America." in New Haven in November 1915, is shot by an English firing squad. The Friends of Irish Freedom, he April 27 - Thursday - Martial law proclaimed throughout Ireland. said, were American citizens but their April 28 - Friday - Former Hartford and Waterbury newspaperman and love of their race was instinctive and New Haven lawyer James M. Sullivan is arrested in Dublin for complicity in natural, and no true Irishman could the rebellion. look with equanimity on the loss of April 29 - Saturday - Leaders of the rebellion surrender their troops. Irish nationality and its blending with April 30 - Sunday - 4,000 German-Americans and Irish-Americans hear British imperialism. Irish nationalist Jeremiah O'Leary compare the Dublin rebels to American Another speaker, Charlotte Molyn­ Revolutionary War leaders at a meeting sponsored by the German-American eaux Holloway of New London, was Alliance at the Olympia Theater in New Haven. . greeted, said the Union, "with an en­ May 3 - Wednesday - Rebels Patrick Pearse, Thomas MacDonagh and thusiasm that was a faint echo of the Thomas Clarke executed. esteem and appreciation in which she is May 4 - Thursday - Rebels Joseph Plunkett, Edward Daly, Michael held. Miss Holloway, who is a patriot, O'Hanrahan and Willie Pearse executed. original and brilliant, referred to Ire­ May 5 - Friday - Rebel John MacBride executed. land's heart which is bleeding today and will not cease until the wrongs of May 8 - Monday - Rebels Edmund Kent, Michael Mallin, J.1. Heuston her martyrs are righted." . and Cornelius Colbert executed. Still another speaker, Judge John W. May 9 - Tuesday - James M. Sullivan released. Goff, chastized England and the Ameri­ May 12 - Friday - Rebels Sean MacDermott and James Connolly can press for playing down the signifi­ executed. cance of the rebellion. "Persistent ef­ May 14 - Sunday - Connecticut branch of Friends of Irish Freedom forts have been made by the English organized by 3,000 Irish-Americans from throughout the state at a meeting at news agencies, speaking through the the Bijou Theater in New Haven. American newspapers to minimize June 4 - Sunday - 2,000 attend mass meeting in Waterbury to show what was really a rebellion into an in­ support for Irish rebels. consequential street riot. June 10 - Saturday - Irish Relief Day is conducted by Irish-Americans "That it was a rebellion, and a san­ throughout the state. guinary one while it lasted, is now re­ June 11 - Sunday - Mass meeting of Friends of Irish Freedom in luctantly admitted. It has been so de­ Ansonia. clared by the proclamation of June 16 - Friday - Padraic H. Pearse Branch of Friends ofirish Freedom executioner-shot rebels and not street is founded in Derby. rioters. June 25 - Sunday - Mass meeting ofIrish at Plaza Theater in Bridgeport. "Were they street rioters, we would July 16 - Sunday - Lithuanian convention in New Haven adopts resolu­ not be here to acclaim them, for while tion sympathizing with the people of Ireland. the Irishman may have his faults, yet in this and every country where he has fair July 22-23 - Saturday-Sunday - United Irish Societies meet in Hartford play, he measures fairly well up to the and adopt resolutions supporting Ireland. standards ofgood and loyal citizenship. August 3 - Thursday - Roger Casement is hanged in England. Walling­ "In Ireland only is he a rebel. There, ford Auxiliary of the Ancient Order of Hibernians announces plans for raising from historical association the terms money for Irish Relief Fund. rebel and patriot are synonymous and August 6 - Sunday - John Dillon Club of Meriden denounces execution so long as unjust and tyrannical English of Casement. rule affiicts Ireland, so long will he be a August 24 - Thursday - A.O.H. state convention adopts resolutions rebel and patriot." abhoring butchery in Ireland. New Irish tri-color flag is displayed by A.O.H. Officers elected for the new organi­ , chapters. zation included Philip J. Sullivan of October 14 - Saturday - Fenian Ram submarine is removed from shed Thompsonville, president; Michael J. , on Mill River in New Haven where it has been stored for 40 years. It will be an Quinn of New Haven, secretary; James \ attraction at the Irish Relief Fund bazaar at Madison Square Garden in New P. Larkin of New Haven, treasurer. The , York City. executive committee comprised M.1. , January 28, 1917 - Sunday - Hannah Sheehy-Skeffington, wife of the Clabby, Fairfield County; Timothy slain editor, tells a packed house at New Haven's Poli threater that Ireland does : not want reconciliation with England, but will settle only for complete divorce. Please turn to page 8 iJ .....J Page 4 Letters from kin in County Wicklow and Dublin described devastation Letters received in New Haven and perate fighting for the soldiers, as they habit ofthinking so much ofit was talk. Derby shortly after the rebellion ended didn't know where the rebels were nor "The soldiers are all over the gave some insight into the situation in where they would be sniped from. But country now. Killiney Hill is held by Ireland. we haven't failed to learn something about two hundred. Vico Road is en­ One letter was written by a Yale pro­ from the Germans. One device they trenched. Another lot occupy Little fessor's sister who lived in the town of tried to escape the sniping was to string Sugar Loaf watching for the Wicklow Bray, County Wicklow, just 12 miles twenty-five or so ofthe rebels to form a men. It's so strange to hear the old, old south of Dublin. The professor supplied guard for a company of soldiers - but cries! The Wicklow boys are up! Derry the letter to the Journal-Courier which even then the rebels fired at them. is up! There's a rising round Wexford! printed it, unfortunately without the "What an incredible tale of wild ro­ original date or the name of the author mance it all makes! The German "We are all short of food, of course, or the professor, on May 16, 1916. cruiser captured - Sir Roger Case­ S.c. is trying to get a food ship from "Even today," the letter began, "we ment's escape from her and landing ­ Liverpool for Bray." can't hear much news - none in fact the leaders who were to have met him On June 7, the Ansonia Sentinel except what comes through the English astray on the Kerry roads and drowned printed portions of a letter written to papers. The isolation has been in their wild rush to escape from pursu­ John P. Wall of Derby by his niece who extraordinary. ers - Casement's capture. lived in Dublin. The letter was written "For two days we heard nothing "The plans all came to near success. May 22 and bore "the seal of the offi­ from Dublin. Then on Friday morning Then it seems the leaders of the rebels cial censor." S. got through in a laundry van to En­ were divided as to action. The older "I suppose you have heard," the niskerry. She could not get back to members wanted to postpone the niece wrote, "of the rebellion in Dublin town that night. Dr. S. motored her by planned rising, did in fact their best to and ofall the brave Irish boys who have Ballsbridge next day. She had an awful postpone it. MacNeill and the O'Rahil­ met their death there. Ireland at the time. Iy went personally to all the southern present time is in a dreadful state. The "The fighting round Landsdowne centers begging the men not to rise. But beautiful metropolis is destroyed. Imag­ Road has been presistent. The station the younger leaders in Dublin were de­ ine the most beautiful street in Europe and houses nearby have been taken and termined to rush the thing, oblivious of -I may say in the world - in a heap re-taken. The Trinity Botanic Gardens the initial failure of their plans. And of ruins and thousands of wives and have been occupied by the rebels and of here we are! orphans starving. course no one round was safe. "There's an awful bitterness against "England sent her soldiers over here "S. had to take in a family from one them all, of course. One of the most and has about 2,000 ofour gallant Irish of the homes overlooking the square. melancholy things about these misguid­ boys transported to England there to Bullets had reached S.'s garden and hit ed patriots is that all the world calls wait til it suits England to get them the walls of the house. The soldiers ran them traitors, never realising that men back. God alone knows their fate. A all over the place. An English officer of this sort never gave any loyalty to good many men especially have been said to her: 'Your Irishmen fight well. England nor really accepted her rule. shot. " They went on fighting us in the school­ Would you ever have believed all the house even when their clothes were in same that so much ofthis so-called dis­ "You in America cannot realize how flames.' loyalty still lived in Ireland? It certainly our little isle is today. No, you can't. It "The rebels have had to be burned is an amazement to me to find the takes ourselves who are born and out of many of the houses. It was des- movement so strong. I had got into the reared on the land to do that, ...;, Journalist slain by firing squad visited state five months before uprising Five months before the Easter Re­ at home, refusing to do the dirty work and a second squad had to be called out bellion, one of its heroes spoke before a of England, than to die in the trenches to finish the job. large audience at Eagles Hall in New " In 1917, Skeffington's widow, Han­ Haven. "It is a lesson of self-sacrifice," he na Sheehy Skeffington, came to Ameri­ On Nov. 30, 1915, Francis Sheehy continued, "that comes to us from the ca, although denied a passport by the Skeffington, editor of the Irish Citizen execution at Manchester, a self-sacrifice English, and went on a lecture tour to in Dublin, spoke at a meeting comme­ that we may need to display ... There promote support for the cause of Irish morating the death of the Manchester rings today through the hills and dales independence. After speaking at Carne­ martyrs - William Allen, Philip lar­ of old Ireland the burning prayer of a gie Hall in New York City and Faneuil kin and Michael O'Brien, three Irish­ suppressed people, 'God punish Hall in Boston, she came to New Ha­ men who were executed in Manchester, England.", ven on Jan. 28 for an appearance at England, in connection with the fatal While not one ofthe rebels, Skeffing- . Poli's theater. shooting ofa policeman during the free­ ton, a pacifist, was killed in a particu- ; "She made an almost pathetic fig­ ing of Fenians from a prison there. larly brutal and senseless incident dur­ ure," reported the Register the next At the New Haven meeting, spon­ ing the uprising. day, "as she stood on the platform sored by the Wolfe Tone and Emmett dressed in black and simply and repres­ clubs, Skeffington spoke of the deter­ Early in the week, he had risked his sedly told her tale in simple, but force­ mination of many in Ireland to resist life in an attempt to help a British offi­ ful English. She said she felt if she had any attempt to conscript Irishmen to cer who had been wounded and was converted one person to the cause of fight in the English army against lying bleeding in a crossfire. Even so, Irish freedom she would have dis­ Germany. Skeffington was arrested on Tuesday charged the vow she made to her hus­ "But already," he said, in a prefigur­ evening, April 25, forced to go as a band's memory." ing of later events, "large armed bands hostage on a British patrol and the fol­ "We don't want reconciliation with of Irish volunteers are ready and wait­ lowing morning shot to death on the England now," she said. "It is too late. ing for England to make a more serious orders of a Capt. Bowen-Colthurst. We want absolute divorce and will move toward conscription. Better to die The firing squad did its job badly stand for nothing else." In the wake ofthe death and destruc­ ~-": .... ~ tion in Ireland, Irish-Americans '.:~'" \. mounted a nationwide campaign to raise funds for those left hungry and homeless and for the families of the soldiers who had been sent to prison in England.

Many of the fund-raising activities I were scheduled on the weekend ofJune '. I r 10 and Connecticut communities large ~ ~ til ~. 1.0------..•------and small participated. J. In little Ridgefield, reported the Danbury News on June 14, "St. Mary's Hall was taxed to its capacity at the benefit entertainment for the relief of the sufferers in Ireland. Ed J. Roach This diagram of the Fenian Ram, with both side and head-on views, was presided and after a few remarks intro­ published in the New Haven Register on Sunday, March 21, 1915, with a duced the first speaker, Rev. R.E. Shor­ story about the history of submarine warfare. tell. Father Shortell spoke touchingly of also indicated that 1,500 tag boxes were might be of service in the cause of the beauties ofcharity which those who being constructed for placing in stores Ireland. were present were practicing in assist­ and shops around the city. "Late yesterday afternoon," reported ing the distressed in the far-off land." As it turned out, the women did the Register on Sunday, Oct. 15, 1916, In addition to speeches, the program such a thorough job that they ran out of "the Fenian Ram, mother of all mod­ featured, "recitations, songs and Irish tags and an extra 10,000 had to be fash- ern U-boats, and for forty years hidden jigs ... An orchestra from Danbury fur­ ioned, according to the Union, "with under an old shed in River street, was nished the music. The evening ended no printing on them, which many ofthe safely hauled to Belle Dock and it will with Irish songs and all enjoyed public thought were fake tags and later be put upon a barge and taken to New dancing." .. in the day 10,000 green tags with 'Irish York today or tomorrow where it will In Danbury itself, the fund-ralsmg Relief Fund' printed on them were giv- be the feature attraction at the Irish took the form of"a pictorial review and en out for distribution. As it was, up- relief bazaar at Madison Square travelogue of Ireland, presented by wards of 50,000 tags were sold by the Garden. Miss Kathleen Mathew of New York 400 ladies and girls who took out City." Mathew showed streets scenes boxes." "It was an odd coincidence that the from Dublin, including the sights of the The proceeds from the collection in quaint craft, dedicated to the cause of recent revolt, and scenes from Limer­ New Haven totaled $4,300. Irish freedom nearly a half century ago ick, Mayo, the Lakes of Killarney and Later in the year, New Haven's Irish by the hand of stalwart Irish patriots, Blarney Castle. found another way to help their needy shljuld today be chosen as a big draw­ The program, which also included kinsmen - a miniature submarine ing card at a fair dedicated to the relief vocal selections by Lillian C. Lynch named the Fenian Ram. of suffering Ireland. and James E. Brennan, was sponsored In the I870s, John Holland, a native The Register ran three pictures of by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the of County Clare, with the financial Emmet Club, the Knights ofColumbus, the submarine with its story, one of backing of the Fenian organization in them showing Capt. O'Brien and an­ the Young Men's Temperance Associa­ the United States built one of the earli­ tion and St. Peter's Young Men's Club. other man standing atop it. "Capt. est submarines as a weapon against Larry O'Brien," it reported, "says he In many communities, the fund-rais­ England. Dubbed the Fenian Ram, the ing effort took the form of a tag day on does not know whether it will ever submarine was constructed at the Dela­ come back to New Haven, but that he Saturday, June 10, when volunteers, mater Iron Works in New York City mostly women, sold green, orange and thinks not: 'If it is a means of helping and tested in the waters around that the fund for Irish relief, it will be doing white tags in public places with the pro­ city. ceeds going to the Irish Relief Fund as great a work as was originally intend­ Subsequently, the Fenians had their ed. After they get through with it at Committee based in New York. Ram hauled up to New Haven with the "Nearly $800 was raised for the re­ Madison Square, I think it will be ex­ idea that it could be tested better and hibited at other fairs.''' lief of the distressed people of Ireland with more secrecy in the calm waters of ...," reported the Ansonia Sentinel. the harbor than around New York City. The paper indicated that the job of "The tag day was brought to a close at 7 Here in the late I870s, Irish patriots o'clock in the evening when the taggers moving the submarine "was a big one such as James Reynolds, Patrick and cost between $1,000 and $1,500. reported to the committee ... and the O'Connor and Lawrence O'Brien are cou!1ting commenced. After the count, Smedley & Co. worked three days to get said to have put the Ram through trial it from the shed to Belle Dock and it is the money was taken to the Bir­ runs up and down New Haven Harbor mingham National Bank where it ~ill understood it cost $500 for their work in anticipation of the time when it alone." remain until turned over to the Insh would be used against English ships. Relief Committee .,. It is estimated Eventually the scheme to strike a The submarine did, indeed, prove to that about 11,000 tags were sold in blow for Ireland with the submarine be a big drawing card at the Irish relief (Derby) and Shelton ..." faded and the Ram, which was only 33 exhibit. "Perhaps the most interesting In New Haven, more than 100 wom­ feet long, was stored in a shed owned by exhibit at the Bazaar," commented the en attended a meeting of volunteers on Reynolds along the Mill River and all Irish World, "is the original Holland June 7. Chairman Philip Troup, the but forgotten. submarine,the history of which is well city postmaster, announced that the After the Easter Rebellion, however, known to Irish World readers. It was Wolfe Tone Club had gotten the drive New Haven's Irish hit upon another constructed by John P. Holland, aided off to a good start by donating $250. He scheme by which the Fenian Ram by funds collected by the Irish World." Page 6 Onetime Connecticut newspaperman was jailed for alleged role in plot Connecticut residents were shocked death, and crowded into unsanitary jail. to learn that James M. Sullivan, an quarters and compelled to lie on a bare "That at the time of my arrest, I had Irish-American lawyer with state con­ floor with groaning and wounded men, upon my person a proper passport is­ nections, had been arrested for compli­ and told when I protested that the place sued by the state department at Wash­ city in the uprising. was 'too good' for me, and I ought to be ington, and renewed by the American Born in Killarney, County Kerry, in poisoned. consulate at Dublin. That since I have 1873, Sullivan came to Massachusetts "That I was compelled to sleep on been in this country, I have faithfully in with his family when only a child and the bare boards of a crowded room for letter and spirit complied with the regu­ later became a newspaperman, first eight nights, the same room serving for lations and rules governing the conduct with the Hartford Courant and then the a lavatory for the thirty-odd souls con­ of aliens, and that I have had no com­ Waterbury American. fined therein, no one of whom was fur­ munications or dealings with the men He entered Yale Law School, gradu­ nished with any means of preserving who have had the revolutionary move­ ated in the class of 1902 and began the most elementary laws of cleanli­ ment in hand. practicing in New Haven where he won ness, that in this room there was not "That at no time during my arrest acclaim defending members of the protection from the damp and cold ex­ was I charged with any offense. in con­ Teamsters Union during a strike. cept that in the later days of my impris­ sequence of the aforesaid arrest, I have While in New Haven, he also was onment I was given a blanket. suffered greviously, my wife has been active in the Ancient Order of Hiber­ "That from the time I was arrested I subjected to much mental anguish at a nians and the Clan-na-Gael and was in was not permitted to communicate time when her condition is most deli­ demand as an impassioned and effec­ with the American counsel and that cate, my own health is shattered by the tive orator for Irish freedom. when my family, having learned of my cruel conditions of my imprisonment Moving to New York City, Sullivan imprisonment, was told upon inquiry and I respectfully request that a proper became involved in Democratic Party that I was sent to England. I was still in claim for compensation and damages politics, and was· rewarded by being Dublin Castle, from which place I was be made on my behalf by my govern­ named ambassador to the Dominican removed on April 30 to Kilmainham ment upon the British government." Republic by Secretary of State William Jennings Bryan. Attorney denounced 'opera buffet rebellion' He was forced to resign that post after an inve~tigation into the awarding i Not all Connecticut Irish stood be­ "In the same proportion are the dis­ ~f contracts In the Dominican Repub­ hind the rebels in Dublin. A New Ha­ contents and trouble-makers for the lic, although the investigation uncov­ ven attorney, John F. Wynne, wrote a Irish cause in this country. These dis­ ered no evidence to suggest that he had scathing letter which the Register print­ contents are so voluble, so domineer­ profited from irregularities in the con­ ed on May 15, 1916. ing, so perniciously active that they tracts. "There are a few pestifarous, ma­ have apparently overawed the great J\fter the Dominican Republic affair, chine-made Irish patriots in this b~dy of modest, silent, intelligent Sullivan returned to Ireland with his country who noisily misrepresent a thInkers who have given moral and wife and son to live with her father great body of men of Irish birth and financial aid to the cause of Ireland as attorney Stephen O'Mara, a forme; Irish parentage," he began. personified today by John Redmond. "These disturbers of the peace are mayor of Limerick. . "~hy should a hundred loyal, aspir­ On May 4, 1916, Connecticut papers now holding meetings in the various Ing Inshmen and Irish sympathizers be reported that Sullivan had been arrest­ centers of population in our country cowed by one, noisy, vociferating dem­ ed in Dublin as one of the plotters of and indulging in the most vitriolic dia­ a.gogue? Th~t is about the true propor­ the rebellion. tribes against all things English and in­ tion ofsentiment in this country as well cidentally against John Redmond, the as in Ireland; and that 'one' whose oc­ Released on May 9, Sullivan later uncrowned king of Ireland, who has filed a complaint that provides some cupation would be gone if the Irish given the best years of his life and his question was finally settled brings hu­ details about the treatment of those ar­ splendid talents to the service of the rested at the time of the rebellion: "I, miliation and a sense of shame to the Irish people and the ever-present Irish real friends of Ireland. James M. Sullivan, an American citi­ cause. That Redmond is appreciated zen, at present residing in Dublin was "Were it not for the innocent blood and revered by the people he has so spilled by the fanatical rebels on Dublin on April 28th last placed under ~rrest faithfully served is demonstrated by the by the Dublin military authorities and streets, the recent uprising in Ireland pitiably few 'scatter brains' in Ireland wo~~d t~e that I was kept a prisoner for eight days who are out of touch with the exalted be joke of the century. In and at the expiration ofthat time I was futIlity nothIng compares with this op­ hopes and aspirations of this great era buffet rebellion." discharged from custody. ' leader. "That I was held a prisoner under most cruel conditions insomuch that I was not given proper or necessary food. Lithuanian convention gave support to Irish I had no protection from cold, I was Under a dateline of July 16, 1916, the Irish World and American denied drinking water except at rare in­ Industrial Liberator reported from New Haven, "A conference of LIthuani­ tervals and was without the most prim­ ans was held here this evening, under the auspices of the American itive sanitary accommodations. Relief Fund, In aid of Lithuanian war sufferers. The resolutions called "That, although my residence was upon the American Government to use Its 'best efforts at the Peace but a short distance from where I was Conference for the restoration of independence to Lithuania, as well as incarcerated, I was kept from any com­ other oppressed nations,' and referred especially to Ireland: munication with my home, prevented "'We desire to express our deep sympathy with the Irish people in from securing clean clothing and de­ their struggle for Independence of their country, and we protest in the nied the request to use my own money strongest manner against the recent wholesale execution of Irish leaders for the necessities that were denied me. and the prospective execution of Sir Roger Casement now under sen­ "That I was handled roughly by the tence of death." keepers, constantly threatened with Page 7 Milford resident recalls Casement's capture and County Kerry fighting Even though 7S years have passed, also. Sgt. Reagan and his family left door, ordered us out and proceeded to there still reside in Connecticut today Castlegregory, never to be seen again. pour gasoline over everything. They some Irish people who lived through "My three brothers were on the run stole anything of value and smashed the years of the Easter Rebellion and in the mountains and we do have a lot anything breakable. the ensuing War of Independence. of mountains in Kerry. "My parents, my sister and I were One of them is Nora Brosnan "England was getting desperate ­ out in the front yard and in our night McKenna, a native of Castlegregory, what to do with the Irish - so they clothes; it was a very cold November County Kerry who now lives in Mil­ opened up their jails, put the convicts night. The soldiers were very drunk and ford. . in uniform and sent us the black and I feared for my father so I pushed him Several years ago, Mrs. McKenna tan. They came in big caged lorries. into the stable with our very bad tem­ told Johnny Moran ofour society about . They shot at anything that moved, in­ pered horse who hated strangers. her experiences during the troubles: nocent men doing their farm work in "Our neighbors were kind and took "This is my memory of 1916 to the fields were shot for no reason. us in for sleeping. We had to return 1923. I was 10 years old and I knew the "They raided our home at least four during the day to take care of the ani­ boys drilled every evening and week­ times a week, tore it apart looking for mals so the windows got boarded up en~ All the kids watched them. My arms and my brothers. Finally, they and the roof held. It was not exactly brother Tadg was commandant of West came at 4 a.m., kicked in our front luxury living." Kerry. Tadg was waiting for word from Dublin about the landing of the Aud, Executions changed views of state's press the ship bringing arms from Germany. "In the meantime, the Aud was at Newspaper editorials in Connecticut vinced that the action of the (English) anchor off the coast of Kerry. It was were at first generally unsympathetic to government in executing the three lead­ supposed to arrive on Easter Sunday the Easter Rebellion, but when the Brit­ ers of the insurrection, while absolutely ish began systematically shooting its within legal and moral rights, was inex­ but instead arrived on Holy Thursday. leaders, the tone of many editorials pedient and will ultimately make Eng­ "Roger Casement was on board changed. land's problems in Ireland more diffi­ waiting for a pilot that never came. On Three editorials that appeared in the cult to solve ..." Good Friday, he came ashore in a small Meriden Morning Record in rapid "A dispatch telling of the Irish pris­ boat and landed at Banna Strand, and succession illustrate the metamorphosis oners marching from Richmond bar­ took refuge in McKenna's fort - my of newspaper opinion. racks to the quay preparatory to being husband's uncle's farm. No one knew The first editorial was published on sent to England, says that many persons he was there. The Royal Irish Constab­ May 2, after the rebels had surrendered gathered at the windows. There were a ulary got a tip, went to Banna Strand but before the executions began. "The few cheers and some waving of hand­ and arrested him. He was taken to Tra­ Irish Republic died aborning," it began. kerchiefs. One of the spectators who "The schoolmaster president's (Padraic seemed to voice the feelings of many lee jail, sent to England to Pennington Pearse) authority was so brief that de­ others remarked, 'Why shouldn't we prison, tried and executed. priving him of it was not taking any­ cheer them; even if they have done a "The Aud was captured and the Brit­ thing to which he was accustomed. A crazy thing. They have been brave and ish knew the whole story before the tragic farce which has been punctuated are our flesh and blood.''' ship left Germany. with blood and fire and all to no pur­ The third editorial, published May "May I, 1916, my brothers Tadg and pose. A flash in the pan was the insur­ 13 after all the leaders had been execut­ Sean were arrested and taken to Dub­ rection by the Sinn Feiners. " ed, stated, in terms. considerably less lin. Our local RIC sergeant -'- by the . The second editorial appeared on generous to the Engli h, "The Britishers way, his name was Reagan - knew all May 6, three days after the first three of have stirred up a are's nest which Tadg's activities and was there to tes­ the rebellion's leaders had been shot, promises to bring ut their ears a and showed the beginning of a change continuous performa ce oftrouble. It is tify. Tadg was sentenced to life com­ in opinion both in the newspaper and easy to see how the istake of shooting muted to 20 years. He was sent to Eng­ in Ireland: "Even those who consider the insurrectionists as made, but it is land to Dartmoor Prison. the recent happenings in Ireland from a not easy to see wh re the difficulties "England was trying very hard to re­ disinterested point of view are con- which the shootings ntailed will end." cruit the Irish to fight her war with Germany and in 1917 there was a gen­ eral release of all political prisoners. Newspaper editorialist was good prophet Tadg came home and went right back intI) the fight. Probably the most incisive analysis of the uprising in Ireland was that "We had a police barracks in Castle­ offered by the New Haven Times-Leader in a remarkably prophetic edito­ gregory, four RICs and Sgt. Reagan. rial: They were the eyes and ears of the Brit­ "At intervals during 700 years, Irish leaders have been shot to death ish military. They were all young Irish­ or hanged on the scaffold high. England has shown no mercy, but history men and were asked to resign and join ; tells us that her acts, which are called 'military justice,' have not been the IRA. Some did while others stayed'­ followed by political benefits. and helped by giving information an~ "The Irish desire for freedom and fair play can"t be killed by killing the remaining became spies for the those who fight to win it. The Irish leaders who were executed yesterday British military. undoubtedly violated English law, but death sentence was not a wise "The fighting got hotter with am- , sentence to impose - all past history proves It - all future history will bushes everywhere, roads blown up and make the error plainer than it is now." Castlegregory barracks was blown up Page 8 Easter Rebellion supported at mass meetings throughout Connecticut Continued from page 3 nities also. letter to his mother were read. Luddy, New Haven County; Thomas J. In Bridgeport, on Sunday, June 25, In Derby a few nights later, a Friends Smith, Hartford County; Dr. Timothy hundreds of people packed the Plaza of Irish Freedom unit was organized F. Ryan, Litchfield County; Thomas C. Theater to hear talks by Splain and and took the name of Padraic Pearse Donahue, New London County; John John Jerome Rooney of New York. Chapter. C. Healy, Middlesex County; John J. "Enthusiasm ran high throughout the On July 23-24, a convention of the McYoung, Windham County; Patrick evening and the speakers met with an United Irish Societies of Hartford met J. Murray, Tolland County. unusually warm welcome," commented at the Michael Davitt Club on Pearl The meetings adopted a series of res­ the Bridgeport Telegram. Street and, said the Hartford Courant, olutions, one of which stated, "Re­ In Bridgeport also, on May 31, dele­ "passed resolutions denouncing the solved that we give our hearty and un­ gates to the Connecticut Socialist Party despotic attitude of the British govern­ qualified endorsement to the aims and convention welcomed Cornelius Le­ ment toward the Sinn Feiners who in­ purposes of the Irish volunteers; that hane, an Irish socialist leader. Lehane stigated the recent rebellion in Ireland." we hope for the spirit animating them told them that the Dublin revolt was In August, 10,000 Connecticut Irish to become the spirit of the whole Irish engineered to forestall a plan of the men and women gathered in Middle­ people; that we pray God may speed English to seize the city and break the town for the Ancient Order of Hiber­ the hour when the seeds of religious anti-conscription movement. He said nians' convention and field day. The dissension and the fires of religious ani­ that the rebellion in Dublin was the convention adopted a resolution de­ mosities planted and fed by England to only bright spot in the war and declared nouncing England's reaction to the re­ keep Ireland divided shall vanish forev­ that the shooting of the leaders of the bellion after hearing its chaplain, Fa­ er in the sunlight of a broad and com­ rising would only inspire others to work ther ~dward Flannery, state, "The prehensive union of thought and affec­ and die for the cause. barbanty toward Ireland of her ancient tion and national brotherhood that will At a mass meeting at the Ansonia foe has proved once more that the leo­ merge orange and green in a common Opera House, the Irish World reported pard among the nations never changes bond of unity and purpose to work out "many men and women gave way to her spots. The prediction has come true Ireland's destiny as a nation governed tears," as the proclamation of the Irish again that where Ireland is concerned by her own people, for her own people Republic and Padraic Pearse's farewell England is not to be trusted." , and with no alien flag flying over a single inch of Irish soil." Tri~olor flag is legacy of 1916 insurrection While New Haven seems to have been the hotbed of reaction to the up­ One of the legacies of the Easter Re­ of the two former colors represented rising and executions, mass meetings bellion was a new tricolor flag ofgreen, the two major divisions of the people of were held in other Connecticut commu- gold or orange, and white. The stripes the island while the white between them represented peace and reconciliation. Shanachie motto taken from speech by Pearse Previous to the rebellion, the flag The motto which appears in each issue of The Shanachie has its roots displayed by Irish nationalists was the in the Easter Rebellion. At his court-martial after the surrender, Padraic traditional gold harp on a green back­ Pearse told the court that he was, indeed, the commander-in-chief of the ground and in Connecticut, as else­ uprising and said of the rebels, "We have kept faith with the past, and where, the use of the new tricolor handed a tradition to the future." We think Pearse's words summarize evoked comment. well what our historical society hopes to achieve, just as they summa­ When o.range, green and white tags rized well what the 1916 rebellion did achieve. were used In Derby and Shelton in the tag day fund-raising activities in early June for the relief of the Irish the An­ sonia Sentinel reported, "Ma~y people wondered and asked the members of IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY the committee what the tricolors P.O. Box 12CH>20 signified." East Haven, Connecticut 06512 And when the New Haven divisions "W~,have kept faith with the past; we have handed a tradition to the ofthe Ancient Order of Hibernians left future. Padraic Pearse for the annual state field day and con­ vention in Mi~dletown in August, their President: Jeanne Hickey, 58 Florence Ave. New Haven 06512 468- use of the tncolor was noted in the 0426. ,. Register in a page one headline: Vice President: George Waldron, 69 Pardee St. New Haven 06513 "A.O.H. Men Fly New Irish Flag Col­ 468-6948. ,. ors of 'Irish Republic' Unfurl~d at Secretary: Betty Gubicza, 126 Geneva Terrace Fairfield 06430 255- I Head of Hibernian Parade on Way to 1343. ,. Big puting." Treasurer: Michael Lynch, 171 East Grand Ave. New Haven 06513 467-5307. ,. "Conspicuous in the line of march" Membership: $10 indiVidual, $15 family. Send name and address and said the paper, "was the display of the checks made out to Irish-American Historical Society to Box 12CH>20 new Irish flag of green, white and gold. East Haven, CT 06512. ' It waved gaily side by side with the Shanachie Editor: Neil Hogan, 26 Crestview Terrace Wallingford United States banners, while the old 06492. 269-9154. ' ~ag of.the golde.n harp on a green body (The Shanachie: In Ireland, a shanachie is a folklorist, storyteller and intermingled With the red, white and keeper of the people's traditions.) blue from the sides of the automobiles." ch£ sh~~ch1e

Volume III, Number 4 Irish-American Historical Society July-August 1991

Beautiful lassie from Norwich had baseball hero's number

Dan Murphy had a lough lime do It, Dan MurphJ ' heart will be in choo 109 belwe n hi two love ­ Norwich no matter where he and his baseball and the girl from Norwich. bat are." Back around the lum of Ihe century, Murphy's girl, ontinued the new ­ Murphy was one of Ihe most promising paper ' is a thoroughly fine young young ballplayers in the Connecticut woman who is said to possess more League, a professional league which than her share of good looks . .. he supplied a number of players to the resides on Foresl Street in Norwich in maJors. the district known locally as 'the Kerry' Murphy was, said one Connecticut from some tradition f years ago." newspaper. "without a doubt the b st The love-struck second baseman had and timeliest hitter in the Conne ticut a great year with the Norwich club in League. though a a second baseman 1901 and in 1902 the Philadelphia Ath­ there are others ... who are his equals." letics wanted to purchase him. The A's In 1900, Murphy got hi first chance ran into the same pr blem as the Gi­ in the big leagues when he was acquired ants, however. by the New York Giants. He played "Jt was not easy work convincing well 10 his first few games with the Gi­ Dan that he ought to get out of the ants, but when the team went to Boston "Murphy likes Norwich," conlinu d Connecticut League and join some for a series, Murphy went AWOL. the paper, "but it is not Norwich that team which would pay him more mon­ "At once Murphy was absenl," re­ has the heart of the great batter." ey," said the newspaper. "He would ported the newspaper, "and coul not Indeed, what had the ballplayer's rather take a Connecticut League and be accounted for. He was in Norwich. heart was a Norwich lass. "The only be with his sweetheart." After the serie , the team went back to reason that Dan Murphy has not gone After a good deal of talking. Murphy New York by a route which passes to faster company long before and the agreed to go up to the Athletics. He through Norwich. Murphy was with only reason why he id not stay there joined them at Boston and in his first them until the team got to Norwich and when he was there ...," commented game had six hits in six trips to bat then he disappeared. When he did how the paper. "is that he has a girl in Nor­ against the Red Sox. Immediately after up, he had a story for the New York wich that he will not leave. Fo Dan to the game, Murphy hopped a train for management about having gotten lost be away from that girl is an exi tenee Norwich indicating that he intended to In Boston. a place he knows as well as that holds out ab olutely no charms for see as much of hi girl as possible be­ his own room." him. Money can ot make up for the fore the A's went off to some other part The Giants promptly s nt Murphy absence of his sweetheart. As long as of the country. back to Norwich. she doesn't consent to marry him and Please tum to page J Hartford priest spearheaded state temperance movement The roots of the Calh lie temper­ wore green silk ribbons from which when Father Mathew made a tour of ance movement in Connecticut go back were suspended medals with the like- New England. visiting Bridgeport, New to th'e effort of an Lrish-American ness of Father Theobald Mathew the Haven, Hartford and Norwich. Speak­ priest in Hartford in the middle of the famous Irish patron of temperance: The ing before large crowds, the Irish priest 19th century. marchers were led by two color bfoarers. promoted the caus..: of total abstinence (n late 1841, Father John Brady, one carrying the Amencan flag, the oth- and admini tered the pledge to those known as a very zealous priest and a er carrying a green banner with a harp who were determined to absta.in. strict "teetotaler," organized the state's and shamrock and the inscription, Years later, a Hartford Inshman, first Catholic total abstinence society in "Hartford Catholic Temperance Socie- Cornelius B. Sullivan, recalled that vi ­ the basement of the old church on Tal­ ty, Founded by Rev. John Brady." it "I was but three years and nine con Street. After the parade, society members months old. but I re~ember him well. The society made its first public ap­ gathered at a park known as The Grove My father came out In the year 1847 pearance in Hartford's Fourth of July where sandwiches, gingerbread, oranges and my mother, bnnglOg me, came II parade in 1842. That the society had and lemonade were served. That eve- months later. Before taking ship, my grown quickly among the city's Irish ning, the society's members met in the father went to Father Mathew's church was evident from the fact that it was church hall and Father Brady compli- in Cork and took the pledge. able to muster 102 marchers as well as a mented them on their conduct in the "Father Mathew came to Holyoke in cadet, or junior. organization of 40 parade. 1849 and my father took me to se him. boys. The state's Catholic temperance There were ix priests with the temper- Around their necks the marchers all movement got a boost in October 1849 Please tum to page 2 Page 2 Temperance promoted by Hartford priest New Haven was home I Continued from page stainers of WJllrmantlc, Rockville, of Jewish seminary ance di iple and when Father Mathew Manchester and Baltic met in Willi­ At one time. e Haven wa the came down the long tine my father had mantic and tormed the t. Jo eph's home of a eminary for orthodo Je me in his arms. Catholic Temperance Mutual In ur­ studying to become rabbiS. '''Oh, ho. didn't I see you the other ance A sociation. Denis F. Mc arthyof Establishment Of the mlOary In day in Cork?, Father Mathew asked m WIllimantic was elected presid nt; John onnecticut wa due in large measure father. W. Purtill of Manche tcr wa ice pres­ to the efforts of Rabbi J.H Levenberg "Father said he did. ident; Edward arey of Willimantic. and Rabbi Mose D. Sheinkopf. The '''And i thi your boy?' asked Father cretary and treasurer. The executive two rabbis began making plan lor the Mathew taking me in his arms. 'And committee IOcluded Jame J. Regan of institution in the ummer 0 1923, and id you keep your pledge?' Rockville. J hn Larkin of BalLic an s on after the Orthodox R bblOlcal "Father said he did. Morri Monarny of Manche ter. minary f New Haven was tounded '''Then: said the eloquent temper- Only members of Catholic total ab­ and a building on Park Street acqUired. nce apostle. 'up with you; once for stinence so ietie could jOin the St.Jo- The building wa equipped with a health, once for wealth and once for eph's association. Upon the death of synagogue, classrooms. dormitories. happiness: tossing me in the air, while any member, an a sessment of $1 was kitchen and dining room. In 1925, 50 many people looked on amu ed and I Ie ied on all members with the amount students ranging in age from 16 to 25 w that my father was very proud. raised donated to the family of the were enrolled in the school taking That may not have been exactly taking decea cd. courses in the Talmud and Commen­ the pledge from Father Mathew, but I In 1870. the groundw rk wa laid for taries along with regular academi have always regarded 11, and have a state temperance union. A committee cia ses. kept it." was organized with Thoma J. Kennedy Rabbi Levenberg was director of the The Civil War lowed the growth of of New Haven as chairman and orne­ chool and the faculty included three the temperan e mo ement, but after lius T Driscoll. also of New Haven. as other rabbis: heankopf. hertel Kramer the war there as a re urgence of inter­ secretary. and Jacob Safsel. e t nd in I 66 and 1867 many socie­ The committee' wor re fruit on When the seminary held Its first ties were founded in Connecticut cities. Aug. 15, 1870. when a conventi n of 56 graduation JO May 1925. the ew Ha­ Typical of the charters ofsuch socie­ delegates r presenting 28 s ieties gath­ ven Union commented, "Onc of the tie wa that of "The t. Patrick's Tem- ered at mith's Hall in New Haven. most important e ent in the Hebraic ranee and Benevolent ociety of New Kennedy called the convention to order hi tory, not only of New Haven, the Haven." Chartered by the General A­ and Deni F. Mc arthy of Willimantic home of the Orthodox Rabbinical Sem­ sembly on June 30. 1866. the New Ha­ wa appointed temporary chairman inary, but of the whole body ofJewry in ven rganization had a its purpose not with Thoma O'Bnen of New Ha en as the United tates WIll take pia e thi only the promotion of temperance, but secretary. afternoon in the Ro treet ynagogue also the provision of financial benefits ddres s favoring the formation of when the first class of students t grad­ for its members and for their families in a stateWIde union were given by Father uate from this institution of TalmudiC case of death Hugh Carmody of New Haven, Father learning will receIve their diplomas. in­ It charter read: "Resolved b thi Lawrence Walsh of Hartford. Father scribed JO the ancient languag and Ass mbly: - Sec. I. That Jame KJO­ Hugh Mallon f Wallingford and characters of the Talmud and without sella, Hugh J. Reynolds, James Si k. others. which no one is permitted to rabinate Patrick B. O'Brine, Nichola Brown, At the aftem on se sion, the dele­ in any synagogue. Thoma J. Kennedy. Bemard heehan, gates adopted a re olution to form The "The services incident to this auspi­ Andrew Bohan, Patrick Demp ey, atholic Stat Temperance Union of cious occasion will bring to this city one James McCollough, Michael Smith, onnectieut. The principles of the or­ of the most di tinguished gatherings of James Gorman, member of the volun­ ganization stated: Jewish dlvin s that has ever visited thl tary ssociation known as the t. "Viewing WIth sorrow the misery. ity. Amongst those who WIll gra e th trick' Temperance an Benevol nt degradation and want which JOtemper­ occasion with their presence WIll be Society of New Ha en, onnecticut. ance is daily bringing upon our coun­ Rabbi Silver ofSpringfield. Mas ., who and such other person as now are or trymen causing some, by their frequent is president r the Union of Orthodox shall her after become members ofsaid appearance at police courts, where they Rabbis of the United tate and ana­ association together with their succe ­ are brought to answer for various da; Rabbis Kruger of Boston, Forier of sors be, and they are here y con titutcd crimes, which in almost every in tance Holyoke, Silver of Wor e ter, Hurvitz a body politic and corporate ... for the are the direct results of intemperance. and Hoffenberg of Hartford. Hershen· purpose of promoting the cause of tem­ to bring disgrace upon the fair name of hon of Hoboken, Moshcwitz of Tren­ perance, and of rendering, under cer­ Ireland and the Irish, and considering ton, Pfeffer, Liber. ohen and Rosen of tain conditions, a sistance to ic mem­ the many disadvantage under which New York, Marcus of Baltimore, 0­ bers of said corporation and their the separatt> 'iocieties labor in combat­ hen of Montreal, Sher, Permuth and families, and aid in the payment of fu­ ing this evil. unaided and alone, we the Dvoretz of Europe." neral expenses of the members of said und rsigned delegates to the first annu­ "The afternoon meetjng is to be fol­ corporation ..." al convention of the atholic Tempe ­ lowed by a banquet which will take A number of the t mperance unIts ance Societie of Connecti ut have, place at 6:30 p.m. in Dormans Hall, 20 were named in honor of the Blessed upon this 15th day of ugu t 1870, Rose Street. and will be anended by Mother. Saint Mary's Benevolent Tee­ united our SOCieties in a tate organiza­ many dignitarie of the city and total Temperance S iety of Bridge- tion for the purpose of making greater elsewhere." rt, Saint Mary's Temperance and B­ and more united effots to remove the Editor's note: In recognition of the nevolent iety of New Britain. Saint cur,se of intemperance from our people bond between our historical society and Mary's Catholic Total Ab tinence Ben­ the other societies in the Ethnic Heri­ eficial Society of Norwalk. ("History of the Cathohc Total Ab­ t1Jge Center and to roster appreciation stinenc Union of Connecticut," by As the movement grew, fforts began for all ethnic groups, we print In each to form regional organizations. In Janu­ Thomas H. Kehoe; Hartford ourant, i~ueofournewskneratkastonestory ary 1869, for example, the total ab- June 13, 1920.) about another ethnic group. Page 3 Irish cheered rebels The following Item appeared In the New London Gazette on Feb, 14. 1766, during the height of the agitation against the Stamp Act: "Extract of a a letter from Philadelphia. Capt. Jackson left Klngsroad the 15th of Nov. and Ashmead the Cove of Cork the 12th of December: The People of Ireland say we are fine Fellows, Young and old alike enjoyed 51. Patrick's picnic and most heartily wish us Suc­ cess In our OpposiUon to the The New Haven mon of Aug. 17, served to the officers of the picnic in Laws of Tyranny: The Toast Is .874. contained thi de cnption of the the largest house on the grounds and 'Destruction to the Stamp Act annual picnic of the children of \. Falher Hart hanged hi occupation for and Success to the free Sons of Patrick's hur h: the time being and mmistered to the Liberty In America.''' "At ten 0 clock nearly 2.000 of the bodily Instead of the spiritual wants of hildren, accompani d by theIr teachers his pari hioner in a highly pleasing a sembled at the chur h and after being manner. formed in line. marched Ihrough "The dan ing commenced at two Murphy had two loves Grand. Stale. Chapel and York streets 0' 10 k, the floor being scarcely large Continued from page I and Br adwny and Whalley avenu to enough to hold the dancers. Lennon' Hamilton Park. headed by'\. Patrick's tring band furnished the musl and That season. Murphy hit .313 in 133 T.A.B. Band which discoursed sweet Profe or Flaherty prompted. games with the Athletic and he soon mu ic for the children to march 10. On established himself as a Philadelphia the Green th proce sion topped a few " bout no n, th member of the regular, playing second base and out­ moment for th children to re t and T.A.B. band had a number of race. field for the A's for the next 12 years. In the band serenaded the rc 'idence of The first, which was between Richard the World Series of 1910, he hit .350 Go . Ingersoll. and James Henne sey, was won by the and in the serie Ihe next year he hit "At the park. the unda} cho I former. Th race between J. Murphy, J. .304. form\:d the principal part of the a - Moran and E. ullivao wa on by Traded to Brooklyn in 1914, he emblage until aboul tw 'c\ ck when Murphy. Th walkmg mat h was won wound up his major league creer the the picnicer came out in great by Eugene ulhvan, he defeating Wil­ next year with a .288 batting average in numbers. Large number rode on the liam Carr. 16 seasons and then came back to the horses and omntbu e . Many walked, "All of the atholi clergy ofthe city Connecticut League t6 play second base while a large number of ehicles of all wer present and united with their pa­ for New Haven. kinds strugg} d along the road laden rishioners in appreciatmg the thorough­ The years hadn't dimmed the aftee­ with children and older persons bent on ly enjoyable character of th occasion. tion of Norwich folks for their former having a joll time. II IS estimated that upwards of 8,000 second ba eman, however. "At twelv o'clol:k. a dinner was persons were n the ground." When the New Haven nine played at New London on May 25. 1916, Mur­ --Family history------. phy was honored by the people of Nor­ wich. "The many friend of Danny in COUNTY BY COUNTY - cry u 'eful book lor Irish geneal gists i the these parts nocked to Plant Field Fri­ recently publish d "Iri h Records. ources for Family & Local Hi tory," by day afternoon [0 see the former big lea­ James G. Ryan. The 600-page bo k i a gold mm of basic information that guer and hi New Haven brigade in can help a family hi tonan cut many comers. One panicularly useful feature action," reported the New London of the book is that the information I broken down In chapters devoted Day. exclusively to each of Ireland s counties. Since researchers generally know at "The grandstand was crowded ... least the county from which their ancestors came, the classification f The NorwIch friends of Danny came information in this way save the time of looking through a chapter on down by a special car with Tubbs' census records or ital stati tic to dig out what is availabl in a specific band. There were about 75. Shortly af­ county. ter 3 'clock they alighted from the trol­ FROM SOUP TO NUTS - In ach chapter. the author has ompiled a ley at Thames Street and paraded into comprehen i e digest of ources ofgenealogical information. Item are listed the park. They came around through in arious major categories uch "census and census ub tltule ," "church left field with the band playing and two records," "commercial directorie ,'. "family histories," "gravestone in crip­ 32nd-degree Murphy rooters carrying a tions," "newspapers." "will and administration." are also ha be n taken big American flag. to make the individual listings as helpful a po sible by telhng not only that "The band sat in the south end of certain records eXist - a many genealogy book do - but al 0 indicating in the right field bleachers and enlivened many cases where they can be found. Thu , for example, the ounty I r he game with little popular snatches chapter not only notc as one source the records f migration from the between innings. In tribute to Murphy workhou at Ennistymon but also points out that tho e record have been the band played a little Irish melody publish d in the magazine. lri h ncestor, No. 13 (2), 1981, page 79-82. when Danny singled in the ninth and 'Where the River Shannon Flows' when WHERE TO GET IT - "Insh Re<:ords, Source for Family & Local History," Maurice Shannon came home on that can be ordered fTom the publisher. Flyleaf Pre s. 4 Spencer Villas, Glen­ hit," geary. Co. Dublin, from Ance try, P.O. Box 476. Salt Lake City Utah 84110, (Bridgeport Herald, July 13, 1902; or from mo t bookstores specializing in bo ks of Irish interest. New London Day. May 26, 1916.) Page 4 -Briefly noted------. FESTIVAL EXHIBIT - Once agam. we will have a booth at the C nnecticut Irish F: llval at Yale Field in New Ha en on Saturday and Sunday, July 6-7 and at the Irish American Home ociety Fe tival In Glastonbury on Friday. aturday and Sunday. July 26-28. Anyone lOt rested In manning the booth for a ouple of hours on those day hould contact Jeanne Hickey. 468-0426 WELCOME - New member include: Florenc\.' Moriarty arpentcr. Edward & Mary Clifford. Stephen J. Collms. Pet(f .J. (Ufley Margaret Meenan D Luea, Jo ephlOc Dunn. Edward 0:\. Patneia Howard. nn B. Massengill. Mary Ellen McDevitt. Nora Brosnan McKenna. .John F. McNamara. Marie Mihone. BeHy Moylan, Maureen & Christopher Mulhall. N'w Haven Gaelic Football & Hurling Club. H Mary Monarty Northrup. Wilham & Maureen O'Brien. Curti T. O'Connor. Rosemary Roy, .Joan cg~r. DONATIONS - Our special thank to tho e who ha~e made monetary donation: James K. Bradley .Ioeph & Mary Bray. James & Catherine S. ondron, John & Leonora Farley, Mary Ford Griffin. ister Ann Virgmie Of Irish Ways Grime. Vincent J. Hinl:s John J. Keefe Jr., Richard C. Lee & family, Roben J. Leeney, John M. Maher. New Haven Gae1Je Football & Hurling Club, Often worn by Irish peasants, Curtis T. 0' onnor Jocl Wasserman. especially 10 the Arao islands, QUINNIPIACK CLUB RECEPTION - Thanks to mcrican National Bank pampooUe were rawhide slip­ and to Wilham r. O'Brien Jr., Its senior vice president. and his secretary. per. fa hioned by brogue-mak­ Dodie Vitale, f r sponsonng a recepllon on May 15 at the Qumnipiack Club ers from a single piece of leather in New Haven to acquaint local bu me leaders of Irish de ccnl with our called a kip and were sold in socIety. Th e 31lending Included. Scan anOing. Peter J. (urley, James large quantities at local fairs. DahIll, Maure n Delahunt Jim Dmn<1n retired Police (hlef William F. Farrell. Patncia Heslin, Nonnan & Jcanne Hickey. Martin J. Kenny. John M Lyons. E\a Madigan. K(VlO McNamara, IC rgc McWeeney, John Moran. Walter J. NeSler Jr. Bill O'Bmn Curl O·Connor. John O'Donovan, Pat O'Leary. Ed .... ard J O'Neill. Jack Peters, Robert ~ i. k, Thomas later, Many items donated Michael J. Whakn for society's library THANKS - To Mih l.~ neh tor Ilrgani7lng the East 'r Rebellion program on The New Haven Insh-American the N w Havcn Green and to Nor', Brosnan McKenna. onnie Fitzgerald, Community Club. Venice Plac , East heila O·Bnen. Da\ Id LIllis, John MOr:ln. C'harli.: O'Hagan AI Howard. and Haven. has provided space to enable us John Boyle for as Istan,'c. Tn Eva Madigan for her Insh baked goods sold at to develop a research library. A number the ~onnecticut Hi~tonc.1I SO(iel}' pnng festival. 10 Norman Hickcy for of people have made contributions to bUildmg the /loat lor lh, .'I. Patnck's Day parade. to Jim Wickwire of our archival collection and we hope Anch r ign for signs for the float and to Dr. Brian Palri k Vitelli of Foxon soon to have the donated items on dis­ Ve.terinary HOlipnal for the I an of his truck. To tate Rep. Patricia Dillon. play or a allable for research there. Michael Lawlor and Marlin Looney, to 1a\ow John Daniels of New Haven We thank Mary tokes Ahem for g ­ al"!d to Go . Weicker for help wllh Iri h-Hcnlagc Month proclamations To nealogical charts and for New Haven O'Bri~n DIane O'Bnen • nd Kenny for ompuler help wllh various projects. city dire lOry excerpts for 1862 and To Ed and Kay "hem anI.! George Waldron 10r the EIII Island tnp and the 1863; Maureen & Chris Mulhall for a tag all' at the Knights of Sl. Patri<:k. chart of Insh literary figures and a hi.­ lorical map of Ireland; J. Philip Gal­ lagher. nalional dlf(~ctor of the AnCIent Order 01 Hibernians for information on the AOH conventIOn. IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY Iso Yale Professor David Mont­ P.O. Box 120-020 gomery for his article, "The Irish Influ­ East Haven, Connecticut 06512 en in the Amencan Labor Move­ ment" and for information on Terence "We have kept faith with the past; we have handed a tradition to the Powderly; former New Haven Mayor future." Padralc Pearse RIchard C Lee and Italian-American Historical Society President Phil Pao­ President: Jeanne Hickey. 58 Florence Ave., New Haven 06512.468-­ lella for mformauon on the Patri k 0426. Goode family: Edith C. Davis of the Vlce President: George Waldron, 69 Pardee St., New Haven 06513, Afro-American Historical Society for 468-6948. current information on Irish i sues. Secretary: Betty Gublcza, 126 Geneva Terrae, Fairfield 06430. 255­ Also. Jam s & Priscilla earle for a 1343. map of Ireland.; Mary Waldron for Treasurer: Michael Lynch, 171 East Grand Ave., New Haven 06513. lri h pIctures, postcards and book; 467-5307. Tom & Noreen Slater for Irish POSl­ Membership: 10 ndlvldual, $15 family. Send name and address and cards; Beverly Tabak for current infor­ checks made out to Irish-American Historical Society to Box 120-020. n~atlon on Insh activities; Sean Can­ East Haven, CT 06512. nlOg of WYB -94. FM for tnterview Shanachie Editor: Nell Hogan, 26 Crestview Terrace, Wallingford of ConOle Fitzgerald and Jeanne Hick­ 06492. 269-9154. ey; Eva Madigan for a slide pr gram on (The Shanachie: In Ireland, a shanachie Is a folklorist, storyteller and Irish art history; Norman & Jeanne keeper of the people's traditions.) Hi key for lIbrary books and memorabilia. Volume III, Number 5 Irish-American Historical Society September-October 1991

In the late l800s ana early 1900s, a Waterbury Irishman, Dennis Ryan, and his wife thrilled CTowds of circus-goers throughout the world with their acro­ batic performances. Ryan, who toured Europe with the Barnum circus in 1899 and 1901, was, according to the Waterbury Republi­ can, "a veritable bunch of muscles and recognized as one ofthe cleverest aerial men in the business. He began the work as a professional many years ago and is now drawing a salary second to none of the high-priced performers. He has been with aU of the big tent shows and visited all of the principal countries, including Australia and the Hawaiian Islands." Ryan's wife. one of the famous Meers sisters of London. came from a circus family. "She is a fearless little rider." said the paper. "and her father and mother and grandparents were all noted circus riders. Her grandfather "Our regular act, the best we do, is have your hands ready for the bar as it was the originator of Newsum's riders the long swing across the big tent, turn­ swings to you. For a mistake means a in England." ing a somersault and grasping the other fall and falls are likely to put you outof In December 1902. the Ryans -re­ trapeze. We begin with shorters swings business even though there is a net un­ turned to Waterbury for a vacation and now have it up to a point never der you. I never had but one accident and, on Dec. 18. the Republican print­ equaled by others. From the time I let and that was 10 years ago when I had to ed an interview with Ryan who de­ go ofone bar until my hands touch the take to a hospital for 10 weeks. scribed life with the circus as follows: other is a distance of 18 feet. We get a "There have been three·of us in our "Our work heretofore has been great momentum, of course, from the specialty up to this time, but we have mostly on the trapeze. We have had a long swing and it is easy enough after now arranged to take in four others and monopoly of the long distance work in you get used to it although never with­ make seven altogether in our act for this line and although there have been out its interest. That 18 feet takes only a next year. It will be the most interesting hundreds of performers of merit at the few seconds to get over and yet you aerial specialty ever put on in the world regular work. we have been quite alone would be surprised at what we can see and we expect to strike this city during in the long distance. There have been while doing it. the summer. I want the people here to three of us. Zoerla, Weitzel and myself "We work in a lot of little fakes to watch for it. We will have three women together for several years. Mid-air tra­ catch the people. I have carried a fan and four men and we aU appear in full peze work has always been my long and drawn it from my breast as I turned dress or dress suite upon the bars. suit, although I have done leaping and and have also worked the handkerchief "While some ofus are doing the long also taken turns at clown work. racket. But all the time you have got to swing, the others are doing fancy work at short distances and all combine in a great finale. Our apparatus for it is now ,Library and archives open for members' use being made in New York and will cost over $2,000. Our new library and family research center will open for the first time "The only trouble we have abroad is on Thursday, Sept. 19, from 7 to 9 p.m. The library Is located at the Irlsh­ getting used to the languages. After we American Community Center, Venice Place, East Haven. It Includes a make a few stops in a country, we usu­ number of books on Irish history and genealogy to help members In their ally managed to pick up enough of the family research. We hope to have the library open each Thursday eve- . language to get along, but just about the nlng and we will be able to expand the hours If there Is sufficient Interest time we are getting accustomed to the and If we get enough volunteers to help out. We also need to expand the lingo. we cross the border into another library's holdings and we are seeking donations of books, copies of country and had to begin to learn all family papers, letters, dlarl'es, documents and photographs dealing with over again ... the experience of Connect/cut's irish-Americans. "The circus business across the wa- Please tum to page 2 Page 2 . Meriden· Democrats chastized for prejudice Italian built airplanes The majority of Irish-Americans First Ward. People wondered if this· A young Italian who loved to tinker have traditionally been faithful to the was an accident, or was it the charmed with machinery was one of New Ha­ Democratic' Party in politics, but there and sacred circle within which no Irish­ ven's first aviators. have been times when the wisdom of man. could enter? And so, Mr. C.W. Salvio Antonelli, said the New Ha­ such faithfulness has been challenged. CahIll was presented as a candidate. ven Union, "became enamored with Such was the case in Meriden in No~ Mr. Cahill is the largest Demo­ the idea ofbliilding an aeroplane which 1884, when O.K. Murphy wrote a letter cratic taxpayer in his ward and has would fly and with which he would soar to the editor ofthe Meriden Republican stamped his ability by a most remarka­ over New Haven and the surrounding suggesting that Irish-Americans were bly successful business career. He was country." being treated shabbily by the party of defeated in the caucus. Antonelli built his first airplane their choice. "And again at the caucus Wednes­ about 1910 and took it out to the hills "The Democratic Party," wrote day eveni!'g, Dr. Tracey was presented around the Foxon section of East Ha­ Murphy, "sets itself up as the friend of as a candIdate and the element which ven to test it. The plane, reported the the foreigner, and for years the Irish in drove Mr. Cahill out one year ago again Union, "proved to be a great glider," America have been solid in its support. defeated him. but its two-cylinder engine did not have An Irish Republican was an anomaly "The cont~st, between Dr. Tracey the power to lift it more than a few feet and because he exercised the right to and Mr. BevlOS IS too great to justify off the ground. think for himself, he was often ostra­ t~e defeat of t~e former when the ques­ The disgruntled Antonelli discarded cized, villified and abused. But what do tion .of capacIty and qualification is the first plane and immediately began Irishmen owe the Democratic Party in consld~red. Menta~lx, intellectually, by to build a second, more powerful craft. Meriden? educatIOn and tralOlOg, Dr. Tracey is In a year, that machine was completed, "Ifwe ask recognition we are politely the best ~presen~tive the Democracy bu~ was smashed up during a trial at told we are 'too previous, just wait an­ ever had 10 our cIty council and Irish Yale field. "The great weight was the other year,' and 'for goodness sake, Democrats can only account for his de­ trouble with this machine," said the don't introduce race distinctions and fea!, on the ground of race prejudice. newspaper. "He had started out to prejudices in our politics.' As if race H?w long, 0 Lord, how long will make it out of bamboo, but before it prejudice and religious bigotry was not the tatl wag the dog in Meriden? God was completed it was made entirely of ~he lever which is continually remand­ helps those who help themselves and steel tubing. The weight ofthis added to 109 us to the rear. Irishmen would do well to reme~ber the small power of the motor kept the "Since Meriden was incorporated a this when they drop their ballots into machine from flying." city, no Irishman has received a Demo­ the ~x next Tuesday," In late summer 1915, Antonelli com­ cratic nomination for alderman in the (Menden Republican, Dec. II, 1884) pleted still another plane. "This ma­ chine," said the Union, "is one of the monoplane type and has a tractor body. Aerial daredevil described life with the circus . It has an eight-eylinder Ashmusen mo­ Continued [rom page J met~ods, care of horses and other tor, which it is said will develop about ter is entirely different from what it is de~:uls, ,, 90 horsepower. in this country. Over there when a We had roya~ty 10 our audience fre­ "In building this machine, Antonelli show ,visits a town once, that generally qu~ntly and King Edward and the has been aided by Frank Spinelli and ends It so far as individual spectators ~nnce of Wales were often at the ~how Harry Daves, two young men who also are concerned while in America if the 10 London. In ~~nce, the. preslder,tt have the flying fever. It is equipped sho~ came to. a town twice a year the was a frequent vIsitor and 10 Austna with what is known as the dual control, entire populatIOn would be out just the the emJ;>eror ~s so pleast:d th~t he sent that is, in flying the machine you use same and just as often as it appeared. Mr;, Batley. a cigar ,case With diamonds. both your feet and hands. The steering "When the show first went to Eng- .' In ~ns last Winter, the newspapers is done with the feet while the rest of lan~, it para,lyzed the people completely JOlOed 10 ~ boycott of the show. We the flying is done by manipulating of a by ItS magmtude and by the rapidity of were shoWl~g at the Salle Des Fetes, wheel which resembles an automobile the movements. They had had tent one ofth~ big world's fair bui~dings and steering wheel. shows before, but they were all single- were domg all of the busmess. We "To warp the wings, the wheel is ring affairs and with only one act at a turned away more people every day turned and to raise up and down, the time. than we could accommodate and most wheel is moved forward and back. In "Wh of the other attractions were suffering the rear, the fan-shaped tail rests on a en the sho~s pulled up to move ~ccordingly. They turned in, therefore, regulation skid while in the front are to another town, It took them several 10 a boycott against the American show two wire wheels equipped with regula­ days to move the ,stuff, several more and compelled the newspapers to refuse tion motorcycle tires which receive the da.ys to get up theIr tents and every- our advertisements. We put out our landing shock when the huge machine thmg. was slow. Our show, as every' own paper, however, and continued to hits the ground. ~mencan knows, could be pulled down do more business than all of the others "The motor in the monoplane 10 an ~our, loaded on the .cars ~nd. set put together. I~ weighs about 235 pounds and the frame up agam and ready for busmess time "The circus life is not the hard ex- and passenger will weigh about 500 for}he next afterno

In the 1920s, two Irishmen ran one of barrel and removed the cover: He the most unusual grocery stores in New reached for a bag with one' hand and Haven. The store was located at 119 took the scoop from the shelf with the Lloyd St., at the comer of Sahonstall other. The bag partly filled, he carried it Aven ue, and its proprietors were to the scale, bringing a little sugar with Thomas J. McCoy and Andrew J. him in the scoop. By placing his left McManus. hand over the weights on one side of What made the business unique was the scale while he poured the sugar ... that both McCoy and McManus were the blind man was able to tell just when blind. the two sides balanced. McManus, who was born in New "When the sugar had been weighed, Haven in 1862, lost his sight in an McCoy tied it up as neatly as if he explosion in 1885 at the Winchester could see every move he was making. gun factory where he was employed as a "'How much is that?' asked the cus­ cartridge charger. tomer. McCoy named the price and she McCoy, a native of New York City, handed him a dollar bill. Here he hesi­ was afflicted at the age of six with a tated slightly, fingering the bill in his spinal disease and he believed that a he had picked up beneath his nose for a second. It was not the brand that was hand. 'That's a dollar bill,' said the large dose ofbelladonna, given as medi­ woman. He turned to the cash register, cation, caused his blindness. He came asked for, so he replaced it and tried another. This time it proved to be the quicky rang up the amount and extract­ to New Haven to study at the Yale ed the correct change from the com­ School of Music and for some years required W.K. soap. With this in hand, he returned to the spot where he had partments of the machine. traveled with a concert company. "Thus, the business is taken care of The two men met at the Perkins In­ left the matches. 'Anything else?' he asked. by these two men who despite their stitute for the Blind in Boston and in monstrous handicap are determined to 1922 decided to establish the grocery "'Yes,' was the reply, 'Let me have a pound ofsugar, please.' Without hesita­ win out by sheer grit." store in New Haven. (New Haven Union, Jan. 14, 1923) A visitor to the store described it tion. he proceeded to the nearby sugar thus, "It is the average size for grocery stores and is laid out just like any other ~IFamily store of its kind. The counters extend ...... history:l------. around three sides and behind them are shelves rising up to the ceiling. In the HERITAGE CENTERS - Throughout Ireland, a number of centers have rear ofthe store are two rooms, a kitch­ been established for those interested in genealogy and family history. Gener­ en and a bedroom where the two men ally, the centers serve as repositories for records of a particular county or live. region and will do research on a family or name for a fee. Among the "In these rooms and in the store, the heritage centers are: lives of the blind men are spent, for Co. Armagh: Family History Research, Ara Coeli, Armagh BT61 7GY. they seldom have a chance to go out. Co. Carlow: Carlow County Heritage Society, Scots Church, Athy Road, While one is preparing the mea,ls and Carlow. taking care of the house, the other has Co. Clare: Clare Heritage Center, Corofin, Co. Clare. to tend to the store. Between the two Co. Cork: Dunhallow Heritage Center, Newmarket, north Cork records; jobs. they have but few moments to Cork Heritage Center, P.O. Box 17, Bandon, west and south Cork records. spare. They do their own cooking on a Co. Derry: Derry Youth and Community Workshop, 15 Bishop St., Derry small range and keep the living quarters BT486PW. and store tidy without the help of any" Co. Donegal: Ramelton Heritage Project, c/o Parochial Centre" Ramehon. outsiders." Co. Galway: Galway Heritage Society, c/o 46 Maunsells Park, Galway. The visitor also described how the Co. Kerry; Kerry Genealogical Centre, c/o John Griffin, Town Hall, blind men waited on customers: "A Princes Quay, Tralee; Kerry Diocesan Genealogical Centre, c/o Fr. Ciaran woman came into the store and walked O'Shea, Castleisland. up to the counter. Upon hearing her Co. Kilkenny: Irish Origins, College Road, Kilkenny, specializing in Kil­ footsteps, Mr. McCoy emerged from kenny, Wexford, Waterford and Tipperary families. the living quarters in the rear. He stood Co. Leitrim: Leitrim Heritage Center, Leitrim County Library, The in the doorway for a moment waiting Courthouse, Ballinamore. for the sound ofher voice to tell him in Co. Limerick: Limerick Regional Archives, The Granery, Michael Street, what part ofthe store she was. 'A box of Limerick. matches and a cake of W.K. soap,' or­ Co. Mayo: South Mayo Family History Research Society, Bushfield dered the woman. Immediately he House, Hollymount. moved to the left side of the store and II CO. Offaly: Tullamore Heritage Centre, Charleville Road, Tullamore, reaching up to the second shelf, placed research for C9' Offaly and parts of Co. Westmeath and Co. Laois. his fingers unerringly on a box of Co. Roscommon: Strokestown Heritage Centre, Church Street, matches and removed it from the shelf. Strokestown. "Next, he turned and without the Co. Sligo: Sligo Family History Society, c/o Columban Club, Castle necessity of finding his way by touch, Street, Sligo. walked to the other side ofthe store. He Co. Tipperary: Roscrea Heritage Centre, Damer House, Roscrea; Nenagh reached the shelf where the soap was District Heritage Centre, Governor's House, Nenagh. kept, but all $OOps are usually the same Co. Tyrone: Irish World Citizen Organization, 26 Market Square, size and shape so he could not tell with Dungannon. his hands just what the brand was. Co. Waterford: Waterford Heritage Survey, St. John College, Waterford. "He accordingly held the one which G;~lic was used to entertain and instruct at Naugatuck 'feis ceili' Around the tum ofthe century, there address of welcome by the president. composed of John Gilbert, John Dris­ was a revival of the Irish language in He was followed by the members of the coll, Mary Cahill and Mary J. Donahue. Ireland and that revival was reflected in society singing, 'Irish Race Forever,' They sang 'Pretty Maid Milking Her a renewed interest in the language here. which was well received. A four-hand Cow.' It evoked much applause. In February 1904, the Irish World pub reel by John Driscoll, William Dona­ "The next tunes were a reel and a Jished an article about an Irish language hue and Misses Mary and Agnes Mac­ hornpipe by John Carroll and Patrick program conducted in Naugatuck: Elhon was loudly applauded. And they Fitzpatrick. They stepped sprightly "A most successful 'feis ceili' was were followed by Elizabeth Shea, 13 amid much applause. The members of given here last week in Hibernian Hall years old, who sang, 'Dawning of the the society appeared again and sang the under the auspices ofthe Gaelic Society Day,' in a faultless style. 'Meeting of the Waters' with much of Naugatuck. It was of a unique kind, emotion. it being the first public entertainment "A jig by William Donahue was well executed; 'Kathleen Mauvourneen' was "Refreshments were served while a given here that the Irish language was phonograph played selections of Irish used as a medium to entertain and in­ rendered by Mrs. Mary Donahue with much success. airs. It fitly substituted the bagpipes as struct. It was largely attended by Gael­ most of the selections by it were very ic-speaking people and judging by the "A martial recitation, 'Hugh good productions of that famed hearty applause they were in ecstasy at O'Neill's Address to His Army,' by Ab­ instrument. the ability of their entertainers. bie Connors was warmly applauded. "A jeweled ring was presented to "The programme opened with an She was followed by the Gaelic quartet .. Miss Bridget O'Neil and an umbrella was presented to Mr. Jeremiah Connel­ Briefly noted ly for the excellent work they have ren­ dered the society as teachers. "The attendance numbered about AUTUMN MEETINGS - With the end of summer, the society's regular 200. Among them were members ofthe meetings will resume. The next two meetings will be held on Thursday, Sept. Waterbury Gaelic Society. Viewing it 26, and Thursday, Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the Irish-American Co~munity from all points it far excelled our last Center Venice Place, East Haven. Please plan to attend. Your mput as 'feis ceili' and we pride ourselves for memm;rs is important to the continued vitality and success of our efforts to the advancement we have made in the preserve and promote the history of Connecticut's Irish-Americans. past year. The 'feis' closed b)( members singing, 'God Save Ireland.''' WELCOME - Our new members include Francis J. Berry, Mary Ellen Carolan, Robert W. Casey, Steve Dargan, Ernest Diette, John J. Don~hue, ! Joe Duffy, Juliette Roche Ewart, Ann Foley, Sean qaJlagher, Davl~ C. ,AOH auxiliary celebrated Howe, Rev. Christopher Kennedy, Robert Keogh, Justme Landa, Kevm J. McKenny, Lawrence O'Keefe, Dr. Joseph E. Reese, Joe Ring, Thomas F. The Ladies Auxiliary of the Ancient Scanlon, Bonnie M. Smolskis. Order of Hibernians in New Britain cel­ ebrated its 12th anniversary in Febru­ ary 1909 with a program at St. Mary's THANKS - We thank those who helped at our booth at festivals in July in New Haven and Glastonbury: Ed and Kay Ahem, Mary Stokes Ahem, Jim School Hall. The Irish World on March Delah~nt, G~­ 6 carried the following description: Condron, Maureen Cosgrove, Maureen Ray Donahue,. Betty "The hall was nicely decorated and bicza, Pat Heslin, Dorothy Heslin, Jeanne HIckey, Norman HIckey, ~<:I1 Hogan, Joan Kennedy, Michael Lynch, John Moran, Tom Slater, Patncla there was a large attendance. Miss Sa­ Toohey, George Waldron and Kathy Wynne. die A. Grace, the president, made the opening address, in which she wel­ comed the guests and gave a briefhisto­ ry of the society. "During the year, there was paid in sick benefits $900 and in death benefits IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY $150. P.O. Box 120-020 "Addresses were given by Rev. John East Haven, Connecticut 06512 T. Winters, chaplain; John F. Leeney, county ,president; Thomas Murray, "We have kept faith with the past; we have handed a tradition to the president, Division No.1; B.C. Twin­ future." Padralc Pearse ing, vice president, Division No.2; and William Mangan, secretary, Division President: Jeanne Hickey, 58 Florence Ave., New Haven 06512. 468- No.1. 0426. . "Violin and piano selections were Vice President: George Waldron, 69 Pardee St., New Haven 06513. given by Miss Mary Donahue and Mas­ 468-6948. ter Edward Crowley; piano selection, Secretary: Betty Gubicza, 126 Geneva Terrace, Fairfield 06430. 255­ Miss Anna Forsythe; song, Miss Cath­ 1343. erine Gaffney, accompanist, Miss Mary Treasurer: Michael Lynch, 171 East Grand Ave., New Haven 06513. Donahue; song, Mrs. John J. Crean, ac­ ~~~~. . companist, Miss Lillian Dwyer; song Membership: $10 IndiVidual, $15 family. Send name and address and and recitations, Joseph Fortin, with checks made out to Irish-American Historical Society to Box 120-020, Harold Tevlin at the piano. East Haven, CT 06512. "At the close of the entertainment, Shanachle Editor: Neil Hogan, 26 Crestview Terrace, Wallingford refreshments were served. Mrs. Thom­ 06492. 269-9154. a5 Murphy was chairman of the ar­ (The Shanachle: In Ireland, a shanachle Is a folklorist, storyteller and rangement committee and Miss Mary keeper of the people's traditions.) Faulkner had the entertainment in charge." Volume III, Number 6 Irish-American Historical Society November-December 1991 ociety will publish its first book in 1992

The Connecticut Irish-American appointed a three-man committee to Historical Society will publish its first MUSIC HAI.;,Lr parley with what was described as the book in early 1992. t( Cead MiUe Failthe!" "seceding delegation," and eventually In commemoration of the 150th the Fair Haveners rejoined the meeting anniversary of the first St.Patrick's Day St. Patriek's Night. and after further deliberation the parade parade in New Haven, the society will ~riday, March-17,1876. route was amended to include Fair publish "The Wearing of the Green: St. H ven. Patrick's Day in New Haven, 1842­ The Grand Opera H~ COJDIJ3IIY, £n 1905, an alligator in a laboratory 1992 n in time for distribution during the PROll NEW YORK. WILL PERI'OR'It at Yale University almost became a St. Patrick' Day festivities. Boooioault's Greaf Irish DraIllA victim of the celebration. While The book, which will be betw n 160 OP'l'lIlI: sweeping the lab the evening before 51. and 200 pages in length, will tell the ~n_1 I -='EN SAWN, Patrick's Day, an Irish janitor named story of the parad banquets, dramas, Richard Brady decided to get into the Ok THE religious services. lectures and mass spirit of the day by draping a green meetings on St. Patrick's Day in New ribbon around the reptile. During the Haven during the past c Drury and a half night, the alligator attempted to eat the and of the people who organized and ribbon and when the lab was opened in participated in them. It will be the morning he was discovered half illustrated with line drawings depictin!; choked to death. Fortunately, his the early celebrations and photographs keeper, a German named Max Schwartz, of the most recent parades and activities. streets to the city's only Catholic church was able with the help of several It is hoped the book wi U be a for a morning Mass and then marched in attendants to pull the ribbon from the significant addition to the storehouse of the afternoon to the Exchange Saloon all igator's throat before it was 100 late. New Haven history because up until where they heard a speech by Irishman Schwartz agreed to wear a green ribbon now little if anythjng h been recorded and Yale graduate William Robinson. himself. if the Irish would leave his of th experiences of the city'S large To conclude the day's festivities, alligator alone. Irish-American community. In this members of the society mar hed back to Politi has often gotten tangled up in regard. the publishing of "The Wearing their quarters and Street's Building and the St. Patrick's Day festivities. In the of the Green," wilJ mark a milestone in disbanded after a rendition of "Yankee 1850s, the Nativist or Know Nothing one of the ma,jor goals of those who Doodle. " Party, hose main tenet was hatred of founded the Irish-American Historical Not all the SI. Patrick' Day the Irish immigrants, came to power in Society in 1988 -- the preservation of celebrations were that routine. Indeed, Connecticut and quite literally turned the story of COOl1ecticut' lrish­ the 150-year history of what has to be the 51. Patrick's Day observances into Americans through publications. one of New Haven' premier folk hostile confrontations. One newspaper The "Wearing of the Oreen" has been festival, has been punctuated with both article said of the 1854 parade: "The compiled mainly from newspaper humor and pathos, triumph and tragedy. American Nativity feeling was strong in sources which provide contemporary, In 1874, for example, there was a New Haven. On the day of the parade veritable mutiny on the parade on-the-scene accounts of St. Patrick's ... the tlllrty-three original members (of committee when at a meeting at Day activities each year since 1842. the Iri h society) came together, each Exchange Hall the subcOmmil ee on the That year the first public celebration bringing a substitute that the procession I.ine of march came in with a report was organized by about 90 immigrants might not seem insignificant. A brass suggesting that Fair Haven be omitted who the year before had founded the band headed the whole, which paraded from the parade route. The Fair Haven city's first Irish organization,the New through the city amid the jeers and delegates to the meeting promptly left Haven Hibernian Provident Society. curses of the citizens. Trees were the room and went into session On March 17, members f the disfigured with effigies of the good society, led by the New Haven Blues elsewhere in the building. Band, marched along Chapel and York Parade Chairman Daniel Cahill (Please tum to page 2) Page 2 Society to publish first book Gypsy horseman won city's respect (Continued from page 1) years, suffered a heart attack and died No ethnic group bas been 0 saint, bearing around his neck bags of while serving as toastmaster at the misunderstood and a mistrusted as the potatoes, stumps of cabbage and other Knights banquet. Gypsies. Yet, right here in similar token of derision, both of the In J956, after a hiatus of nearly half a Connecticut there lived in the late saint and of the race. In orne treets century, the SI. Patrick's Day parade 1800s a well-respected Gypsy leader. violence was apprehended, and for 8 was reborn only to have a late winter Hi name was given variously as number of yea foUowing tbe torm dump eight and a half in hes of William William; or Thomas Williams, memorable parade the member of tb~ snow on the city the day before the but he was known throughout New association were anned when passin' parade. England as Prince Williams. through the streets in procession ... " The parade survived that problem and It was said that Prince Williams was A few years later, the observance: got in 1969 it survived the only legal born in Devonshire, England in 1830 tangled up in the Civil War when the challenge to a SI. Patrick's Day event in and that he came to this COUll try in Montgomery Society and Hibernian 150 years. Shortly before the parade that 1851. After living in the South for Provident Society invited a Southerner, year, a New Haven resident, John F. some years, Williams settled in New Thomas Yeatman, to be the speaker at Curran Jr. sought an injunction to Haven where be developed a reputation their gathering in Music HaiL Yeatman prohibit the parade pennanently on the as a horse breeder and trader. was later identified by John Niven in his ground that it was a religious While some people laimed he was book, "Connecticut for the Dillon: The observance whose purpose was "to of strictly English ancestry, others Role of the State in the Civil War," as a propagandize Roman atholicism to the wore that William was f Gypsy Confederate spy wh once wrote population of the city of New Haven. " stock and his manner of living lent Jefferson Davis that he could raise a These and other incidents of the credence to the latter belief. "He pent regiment of troops for the Southern century and a half of St. Patrick's Day money lavishly in the paraphernalia cause in New Haven. Needle s to say, festivities are narrated in "The Wearing which goes to make up a gypsy outfit," Yeatman's speech on St. Patrick's Day of the Green" in the hope that the book one acc unt said, "and his train of urged Northerners to I t the Southern will serve not only as a listing of event:;, wagons wa one of the richest in the states secede in peace. but as a chronicle of the causes and ountry, 'ome of the vehicles being During the darkest days of the Civil concern., the joys and sorrows, the marvel' in their way. War, the Register printed one of the triumphs and failures of the city's lri h­ "In their traveling compartments, most touching items in the 150-years of Americans as they have gone about the family lived the greater part of each St. Patrick' Day bservances, a letter establishing a place for themselves in year; here the dozen r more cbildren from a soldier in tb 9th Connecticut tbeir new homeland and still kept alive were born, grew up and drifted into the Regiment, known as the state's Irish the memory of their heritage. easy-go-Iucky life that had become a regiment. The letter, written from It is expected that "The Wearing of fixture with their parents' they in tum L uisiana wh re the regiment was the Green" will be available for sale at marrying and dropping into the long stationed, read, "The adopted citizens of $10 per copy in late February. train which has come to be one f the New Haven need not fear but what the However, those wi bing to res rve picturesqu sights of a 'ummer Ninth will do th ir part, when they are copies now may do so by sending a afternoon in the country for miles led forth in defence of the country check for $12.50 per copy ($10 plus around. " which gives more freedom to the $1.50 for postage and handling) to P.O. Williams uppo edly hecame rich in stranger than any other on the fac of Box. 120-020, Ea t Haven, CT 06512. th horse trading bu iness, but had no the earth. Irishmen have fought for Please be sure to include your name and faith in bank and melted all hi gold ranee under Sar field, for Russia under address and a note on the check that it is and silver into bullion. Delacy and for Spain, in their short for the purchase of the book. Despite his exotic lifestyl • Williams sleeves, under O'Donnell, at Bull Run One thousand copies of the book will had a solid reputation for respectability under Corcoran; and the adopted sons of be printed at a cost of about $6,000. in New Haven. One paper said that he Connecticut will prove themselves as Any profits from it sale will go to the was "square in his dealings and kind­ good as their ancestors either in france, society for future projects, such as hearted beyond the average of men Spain, Russia or in America. ~ another book, microfilming of church who constantly rub against the rougher More recent SI. Patrick's' Day records for genealogy purposes or side of life. " observan es bave had their moments of expansion of Uf library. We hop that Editor's '/Ote: /n recognition of the excitement and emotion, too. all our members will purchase a opy of bond between our historical society In 1932 the occasion was saddened "The Wearing of th Green," and and the other societies in the Ethnic when much beloved New Haven especially that member will mention Heritage Center and to foster resident, Edward J. Moriarty, who had the book to friends and relativ so that appreciation for all ethnic groups, we been toastmaster at the Knight of SI. the society can at least break even and print in each newsletter at least one Patrick banquets for 27 consecutive perhaps profit from the book. story about another ethnic group. Pa 3 Forty-Fives played by Ansonia Irish

The persi tence of ethnic customs is evident in many ways - song, costume , r and food to name just a few. One way not generally thought of is in card play­ ing. I'I On March 18, 1905, however, the Ansonia Sentinel reported a revival ofthe Iri h card game of Forty-Fives. The Sen­ tinel aid there was an epidemic ofForty­ I Fives playing "that bids fair to rival in popularity pinochI , ping-pong, tiddledi­ winks, whi t or any of the games which have occupied public favour generally." A number of teams had been formed, the paper reported, and the game was f10uri hing in Derby as well as Ansonia. An Ansonia team, it said, "went across the river to play in the sister city last night and defeated the cbampions of the west. ', There were Irish people in Ansonia, the Sentinel said, "who recount how, when they were small children in the oLd country, they would peep down from the loft oftheir cottage hom s and watch their elders play this Forty-Fives, when they Samuel McCarthy and his dog after their return from the Klondike. were upposed to be fast asleep." "Forty-Fives," the Sentinel explained Bridgeport youth struck gold in Klan e to its non-lri h readers, "is played with a full pack of cards, in which each trick An 18-year-old Connecticut youth stout man with sprinkling of gray hairs COWlts five and the game is forty-five. named Samuel McCarthy was among those scattered through the black ones. And he Five cards, two and three or three and who set out for the Klondike when gold was came back a ricb man. two, are dealt to each player, and the top discovered there in 1897. McCarthy ran , , For six year ,Sammy McCarthy ard after playing is turned as a trump. away from his home in Bridgeport without has been in the gold regions of Alaska . He The ace of hearts is always a trump, a word to his widowed mother, Julia. was one of the first to blaze a trail through ranking next below the knave ofthe trump Then, one night in late July 1902, his to the Klondike. He has many a stOf"y to suit, which is itself second in rank, the mother was awakened by a loud knocking teU of the hardships that the mine of !he five- pot being the highest. on the door of her borne at 30 Bishop St.. gold regions were obliged to endur Until "The other cards have their normal When she opened the door she was two and a half years ago, Mr. McCar!hy value, except that in the black suits the confronted by a tranger and when she never truck good luck. Then, aU mouth lowest pot card takes the trick when no asked who he was, he replied, ,. I thought of the McKenzie River, on Koci y Sound face card i played. Suit must be followed I would come home and see how you are in northwestern Alaska, he truck the for­ when a trump is led, but in other cases a mother. " tune he had long been prospecting for. He player may tromp ifhe chooses. A player .. Sammy, is it you." asked the old has two claims there now and both are very taking all five tricks in one hand wins the woman. valuable. ', game." ., Yes, mother, it's Sammy," the man '" While Me. McCarthy is Dot a mil­ Old-time Irish people, the paper said, replied. lionaire, he is so well fIXed tbat he no Inger watched the Forty-Fives matches with In its Aug. 3, 1902 edition, the Bridge­ needs to worry about the future.. Som great interest because the game revived port Sunday Herald told the story of the months ago, he decided to c me back t "memories of their youthful days in old reunion of the mother and on and of his Bridgeport and see hi mother if she was Erin's Isle." escapades in the Klondike. living. He brought with him ome 3,000 The game, sai the paper, required .• For six years," the paper aid, in gold and his mother will never Dl for "skill in handling the cards to as great a Samuel McCarthy has n in the gold anything now. degree as in pinochle, whist or cribbage. regions of Alaska. He never wrote to hi • 'With him, Mr. McCarthy br ught It is fuji of excitement and tends to pro­ parents or friends after he left home. Years an E kimo dog. He is only a pupp now, mote sociability as it generally is played ago, they gave him up as dead. Last Satur­ but will grow to weigh eighty ninety by four or six persons. " day night the runaway son returned a big, pounds... Page 4 Many hands turn dream of library into reality

Thanks to the efforts and genero ity for a filing cabinet and three bookcases; by the hi tories): Father Chri topher of many people, we now hav a small, Maureen Delahunt, Pat Heslin, the Kennedy (William Kennedy, Helen but growing library on the second floor Hickeys and Beverly Tabak: for Kennedy Mitchell), Paul Ker ck of the ew Haven Irish-American supplies; John Boyle, Paschal Brennan, (Down ), William T. O'B,rien Jr. Community Center, Venice PIa ,East Tom Faherty, Pat & Dorothy Heslin, (Doyle. Walsh), Beverly Tabak.. Haven. The library includes a variety of Norman and Jeanne Hickey, John Books have been donated by Ed & book and materials both for Mackey, Chris & Maureen Mulhall, Kay Ahem (Ryan), Mary Stokes Ahern, genealogical and general Irish hi tory Madge Mulhall, Jobo O'Donovan, Tom Maureen Delahunt (a' eill), Liam research. Slater and George Waldron. Delaney, Mary Curtis Embler We thank the following for their The following people have donated (Flannigan), George & Helen Gannon, help: Southern New England Telephone family hi tories the names in Patricia Heslin (Gildea), Norman & Co. and K vin and Barbara McNamara parenthe e indicate th~ names covered Jeanne Hickey (Roche), Neil Hogan. Mary Ellen McDevitt, John & Kathleen noted~------O'Donovan, Dr. Brian P. Vitelli, Briefly George Waldron, Mr.and Mrs. John Waldron. CHRISTMAS BAZAAR -- Our society will have a table at the Christmas Materials have been donated by the Bazaar sponsored by the New Haven Gaelic Football and Hurling Club and the following: Mrs. Margaret Cashman New Haven Irish-American Community Center. The bazaar will be held from (family document of Dr. Tim thy 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30, at the community enter, Venice O'Neill, Margaret Beecher Place, East Haven. Our society will sell plants and flowers for holiday Cunningham, Mary Jane O'Neill, Henry decorations with proceeds to be used for books and supplies for our library at O'Sullivan, McNamara and Fitzgerald); the community center. Frank Corden, newspaper clippings ETINGS -- Our next meeting will be on Thursday, Nov. 14, at 7:30 p.Ol. about Feis Ceoil of Gaelic Literary in the library at the Irish-American Community Center. Gu t speaker will be Society of Waterbury and Thomas Patrick O"Leary of the Iri h History Roundtable. His topic will be "Those Moore tribute; John DonneUy (Fenian Amazing Iri h.· The December meeting will be on Thursday, Dec. 11, at 7:30 Ram); May Duffy (Joseph & Patrick p.m. in the library at the community center. At that time, members willi present Duffy, Pete Malloy, Hartford Gaelic a workshop entitled "Sources of Genealogical Re earch in Our Library." Football Club picture, 1902); Jeanne Hickey Barry, Roche, Meagher, fJ:jIAI'Il1\. YOU -- Thanks to Barbara C. Revay for a donation a companyin J Nutley, O'Reilly); Jamts & Eva her membership renewal. Madigan; Jeanne Parziale; Thomas P. WISH LIST -- We need a copying machine and a microfilm reader. Roche Sr. (athletic scrapbook of New Haven Harriers Holy Cross College, WELCOME .- New members include Franci J. Barry, Frank Corden, 1920s); Tom Slater, ship manifest. Maureen Cosgrove, Francis Doolan. Thanks are due also for pr fes ional help to Judith Ellen Jobo on, reference librarian and genealogi t at the Connecticut Historical Society in IRISH-AMERICAN HISTORICAL SOCIETY P.O. Box 12<>-020 Hartford; Arthur Reinhart, hi tory East Haven, Connectlcut 06512 librarian at the ew Haven Public Library; and Judith Scluff, chief "W~,have kept faJth with the put; we have handed a tradition to the future. Padralc Pear8e archivi t at Yale' Sterlin Library. One of th important resources n w 04~~~8Ident: Jeanne Hickey, 58 Florence Ave., New Haven 06512. 468­ in the library is a microfilm which the s iety made of the record of old St. 46~:4~~esldent: George Waldron, 69 Pardee St., New Haven 06513. Patrick's Church in New Hav n. I there any member who ould like to 13:;~retary: Betty Gublcza, 126 Geneva Terrace. Fairfield 06430. 255- undertake the indelting of th records Treasurer: Michael Lynch, 171 East Grand Ave New Haven 06513 to mak them more readily accessible to 467-5307. ., • . tho e doing genealogical research? Membership: $10 Individual, $15 family. Send name and addre8s nd Anyone who has documents, pictures, checks made out to Irish-American Historical Society to Box 12<>-020 East Haven, CT 06512. ' family histories, oks, family papers Shanachle Editor: Nell Hogan, 26 Crestview Terrace Wallingford should consider donating them, or 06492. 269-9154. ' c pies of them to our library 0 that (The Shanachle: In Ireland, a shanachle Is a folklorist. atoryteller and keep r of the people's traditions.) they will become avadable to others for ear h purposes.